Connacht and Munster meet in their second provincial clash of the season on March 29th at 2:30 pm. Munster enter with bragging rights after snatching a victory in their meeting on day one of the season, and the Westerners are out for revenge with the home advantage.
Both teams have strong hopes of making the top eight this season, with Munster sitting in sixth place and Connacht just two points away from a place in the knockouts. Can the Red Army do the double over their rivals, or will Connacht gain valuable points at MacHale Park?
Connacht vs Munster Rugby Predictions
Score Prediction: Connacht 35-31 Munster
Our rugby prediction is for Connacht to win this game. This is a very tight fixture between two sides separated by just three points in the table. However, Munster’s away form this season has been poor and that gives Connacht a big advantage. They can use the MacHale Park setting to score a crucial victory as we enter the business end of the regular season.
Munster have a 2-7 record in away games in all competitions this season. Their only two victories came against the Dragons and Ulster. The former is the worst team in the league, and the latter was a smash-and-grab in the final two minutes of the game. On the other hand, Connacht have a very respectable 6-3 home record. Their last meeting was tight and Connacht can gain revenge after that narrow loss.
Connacht’s game plan is often based on a fast, expansive style of play using dummy mauls and rucks. Munster is known for its robust forward-dominated game, controlling possession and territory. Connacht has shown that when they can get quick ball and move the opposition around, they are dangerous. Munster’s solid defensive structure and ability to dominate the breakdown will be key, but Connacht will be buoyed by their home advantage. They can play their natural game on their way to victory.
Enjoyed this training ground try from Connacht. Made a lot of moving parts look very simple.#CONvLYO #RugbyAnalysis pic.twitter.com/eQKveiHpKE
— EK Rugby Analysis (@ek_rugby) January 14, 2025
Defensively, Connacht has a tendency to allow gaps in their structure, especially against powerful, forward-driven teams like Munster. Their challenge will be to stop Munster’s maul and set-piece game from gaining momentum while ensuring their backline doesn’t get too isolated on defence. The Red Army have a powerful pack and Connacht must assert themselves physically.
Players To Watch
Five games are remaining in the URC regular season and places in the top eight are still wide open. It is getting down to crunch time as we head towards the knockout stages, and these teams will be relying on some key players to see their pushes through to the postseason in this game.
- Bundee Aki (Centre, Connacht): Bundee Aki’s physicality and ability to break tackles make him one of the most dangerous players in Connacht’s backline. If he can get over the gain line, he will provide excellent ball for the likes of Carty and his fellow backs. Aki’s defence will also be crucial in shutting down Munster’s attack.
- Tom Farrell (Centre, Munster): Former Connacht man Tom Farrell has been excellent since joining provincial rivals Munster at the beginning of the season. He is their top try scorer this season with six, and only three players have scored more in the URC. Farrell will lead Munster’s attack on Saturday.
Connacht vs Munster Rugby Betting Tips
- Full-Time Result – Connacht To Win: Connacht enter this game as the narrow underdogs, with the odds tight between the sides. Their last meeting was close, and we’ve no doubt this one will be too. Munster are 5/6 favourites with our online betting site. Munster’s poor away form and Connacht’s strong performances at Dexcom Stadium make us believe the Westerners can play above their 21/20 price. Bet on Connacht to win.
- Winning Margin – Connacht To Win by 1-7: Connacht can get revenge with the home advantage this time round, and betting on the winning margin is a good way to extend the odds of a result. These teams played in September, and Munster won by just two points. This will be tight once again and a bet on Connacht to win by 1-7 points is worth 14/5 for anyone betting on the URC.
- Points Total – Over 55.5: These sides are the two strongest scorers outside of the top four. Their last meeting was an entertaining clash that saw 68 points. We expect a similar level of attacking play in this game. If you are betting on rugby this week, look into backing the points over for this game.
Connacht vs Munster Rugby Head-To-Head and Key Stats
Connacht and Munster last clashed in their provincial rivalry in September for their season openers. An entertaining day of rugby saw Munster snatch a two-point victory at Thomond Park. In a thrilling and physical encounter, Munster edged Connacht 35-33 in a match filled with intense moments. Connacht led 19-14 at half-time after tries from debutant Josh Ioane and Ben Murphy, while Munster responded with a try from Alex Nankivell and Mike Haley.
Munster came out strong in the second half. John Hodnett’s early try put them back in the lead. Connacht fought back, securing a bonus point through Hawkshaw’s try, but Munster’s Coombes replied shortly after. With the score tied at 28-28, Connacht’s Forde added a fifth but failed to convert. A late converted Shane Daly try saw Munster snatch victory. Despite the late drama, Munster’s composure secured them the win.
Connacht last played on March 22nd, travelling to Wales to face Ospreys. A 12-try thriller saw them fall short in a 43-40 defeat. Keelan Giles and Daniel Kasende both scored twice, with Kieran Hardy and Jack Walsh also crossing for the hosts. After a reshuffle due to injuries, Ospreys dominated the first half, leading 38-14.
Connacht fought back in the second half, scoring three quick tries to close the gap. With just minutes remaining, the Irish side came within three points. A late penalty would have tied the game to mark a remarkable comeback, but the kick was missed. They were denied by a heroic Ospreys defence in a thrilling encounter.
Munster were last in action on March 21st in a visit to Scotland to face Glasgow Warriors. The Red Army gave up a halftime lead, falling to defeat at Scotstoun Stadium. Despite being temporarily down a player due to Fineen Wycherley’s sin-bin, Munster scored first through John Hodnett, followed by a try from Sean O’Brien. Glasgow responded with George Horne’s try, equalling the club’s record, and a try from Kyle Steyn brought them within a point.
After O’Brien scored again for Munster, Matt Fagerson’s try and Nathan McBeth’s bonus-point score gave Glasgow the lead. Adam Hastings converted both tries and kept Glasgow ahead with his accurate kicking. Munster earned a losing bonus point but dropped to sixth in a performance that will have frustrated Red Army fans.
Team Form
Every game from now until the end of the regular season is huge for both sides. Munster are trying to hold onto a place in the top eight while Connacht are trying to break in. There are just four points separating 12th and fifth and the end-of-season table could look completely different come May with so much left up for grabs.
Connacht
Connacht have been in good form since the new year, winning four of their last six games. That form has helped them up the URC table and given them real hope of a place in the knockout stages. They are 12th in the table, but just two points away from the top eight. They will welcome some of the best Irish rugby players back from Six Nations duty in this game, and that will be a huge boost to their chase for the top eight.
Munster
Munster enter this game 3-3 in their last six having lost their previous two games. They have maintained their place in the top eight in sixth place, but this blip in form has come at an inopportune time for the Red Army. They are just two points away from dropping out of the top eight and must stop themselves from falling into a flurry of defeats in the most important period of the season.
