Leinster v Zebre: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Losing a fourth-straight Champions Cup final would have been a disaster for Leinster, but failing to even make it to the showpiece is catastrophic.

The Irish province lost 37-34 to Northampton in last Saturday's European semi-final and their woe was compounded by news that captain Caelan Doris faces four to six months out following shoulder surgery.

Doris will miss this summer's British & Irish Lions tour but 12 of his Leinster colleagues will be on the plane to Australia after being selected in Andy Farrell's 38-man touring party.

With potential European glory gone, Leo Cullen's side simply have to claim their first URC title since 2018.

Despite losing their last league game at Scarlets, they are eight points clear in the standings and the coach has selected a strong side that will look to dismantle visitors Zebre, who have failed to win any of their last four and are unable to make the play-offs.

Leinster v Zebre betting tips and predictions

Alternative 2-way handicap - Leinster -42.5 - 2/1

Northampton shocked the rugby union world with their performance in the Champions Cup semi-final as Leinster struggled to deal with their intensity, echoing Ireland's issues in this year's Six Nations.

It might also be a testament to the depth of Leinster's squad, as they can afford to rest their big names for the majority of matches before bringing them back for the big games.

The defeat to the Saints means they are all big games from now until the end of the season and with the URC title all they have left to play for, Zebre could be on the wrong end of a real walloping at the Aviva Stadium.

Cullen's matchday 23 includes nine players who made the cut for the Lions, six starters and nine substitutes, while utility back Ciaran Frawley is primed for his 100th appearance off the bench.

While Leinster lead the standings, Zebre are 15th in the table and lost 31-7 when these two met in Parma last March.

Cullen fielded a pretty scratch side for that match and with his selection for Saturday laced with talent, they could go big in Dublin.

Jack Conan to score a try - 5/4

Doris' injury means more minutes for Jack Conan in the coming weeks and may even lead to him becoming the Lions' starting number eight for the second consecutive tour.

He looks set to captain Leinster for the season's closing weeks and, after struggling off the bench against Northampton, is someone with a point to prove.

Earlier this season and during the Six Nations, Conan appeared to have redefined his role as an impact substitute, scoring off the bench against Scotland and France, as well as when he started in the win over Wales.

The 32-year-old might be used as a 'finisher' by Farrell in Australia and age may mean that his best play will come in short stints when he can come on and put everything into the final 20-30 minutes.

Conan is unlikely to think that way and may now start almost every match in the run-in.

With the Aviva crowd expectant, look for him to peel off the back of the scrum and pile over for a try. 

Jordie Barrett to score a try - 21/20

Cullen's policy of not picking Jordie Barrett in Leinster's biggest games has led to intrigue and conspiracy, and it was clear how much of a difference the Kiwi can make after coming off the bench in the second half against the Saints.

He starts ahead of the benched Robbie Henshaw on Saturday and, while we may never know the thinking behind his exclusion from the start of the defeat to Saints, he will be desperate to end his sabbatical in Ireland with silverware.

Expect the All Black ace to make an impact at the Aviva and a try-scoring effort is available at a good price.

Leinster v Zebre odds

Leinster - 1/200
Tie - 50/1
Zebre - 20/1

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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.