Bristol Bears v Leinster: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Beaten finalists in the last three seasons, Leinster have reloaded and should have the firepower to battle past Bristol Bears in their Champions Cup opener on Sunday.

Leinster have lost the last three Champions Cup finals but have returned this season with two world class signings and a change of approach at fly-half.

Two-time World Cup winner RG Snyman has joined from Munster to bolster the second row, while All Blacks superstar Jordie Barrett is set to make his debut at Ashton Gate.

There has also been a switch at 10, with Ross Byrne benched and Sam Prendergast handed the playmaking reins, while Ciaran Frawley starts at full-back.

Opponents Bristol are one of the most exciting teams in Europe and come into this fixture on the back of last Friday's 48-24 win at Harlequins, sitting joint-top of the Premiership and having scored more points than any other side.

That win at Quins was their ninth straight league win on the road but they have been less successful at home, beating Northampton but going down to Saracens and Gloucester before that.

Pat Lam's side won just once in this competition last season but the windy conditions at Ashton Gate could keep them in sight on Sunday.

Bristol Bears v Leinster betting tips and predictions

Bristol +10 - 1/1

May's extra-time defeat to Toulouse at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was the latest episode of heartache for Leinster, having lost to La Rochelle by three points in 2021/22 and the same opposition by a single point in 2022/23.

They responded by going big with their recruitment by signing Snyman and Barrett, both of whom will start on the bench, while Prendergast looks likely to be given a run in the 10 shirt after impressing for Ireland last month.

Leo Cullen's team opened last season's European campaign with a 16-9 win away at La Rochelle and will be looking to lay down a marker against the Bears.

Bristol's home form is a puzzle. They beat Lyon last season but were turned over by the Bulls, and their forwards are still to consistently demonstrate that they can turn up against the best.

The conditions can help them keep it tight, while their status as the Premiership's top points scorers shows they can both create and take their opportunities.

Leinster have also had a habit of letting leads slip and it is worth siding with Pat Lam's hosts to play to the death and finish inside a 10-point start.

Ronan Kelleher anytime tryscorer - 5/4

With the wind blowing, Leinster are likely to try to use their forwards to test an inconsistent Bristol pack.

Joe McCarthy and James Ryan could dominate the line-out, winning plenty of ball and setting up driving mauls, bringing hooker Ronan Kelleher into scoring contention.

Kelleher looked good for Ireland in Dan Sheehan's absence in November and continues in the number two shirt.

A key facet of the modern hooking role is the ability to control the ball at the back of the maul and he could benefit if his team gets the upper hand.

Kelleher also has a burst of speed and some nifty footwork, as he showed with his clever sidestep in scoring against Fiji last month, making him a danger whenever he gets close to the line.

Benhard Janse van Rensburg anytime tryscorer - 4/1

Arguably the Premiership's form centre, Bristol's Benhard Janse van Rensburg went over again at The Stoop and his form has renewed calls for a place in the South Africa squad. England may also be interested, with him eligible through residency from 2026.

The 27-year-old has both the blockbuster physicality and subtle handling to find gaps in a Leinster midfield looking to gel.

Van Rensburg is unlikely to take a step back despite the elite opposition and this is another game in which he can prove his credentials by getting over the line.

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Bristol Bears v Leinster odds

Bristol Bears - 3/1
Tie - 25/1
Leinster - 1/4

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.