Leinster v Gloucester predictions & rugby union tips: Van der Flier can bag

Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for Friday's Heineken Champions Cup Pool A clash between Leinster and Gloucester at the RDS Arena.

Where to watch

BT Sport 1, 8pm Friday

Best bet

Josh van der Flier to score a try
1pt 7-5 bet365

Leinster v Gloucester preview

Leinster justified their status as Champions Cup favourites when running riot in France against Racing 92 last weekend, and they should have few problems following up by defeating an understrength Gloucester side on Friday.

A six-try 42-10 demolition of Racing will have washed away some of the bad taste left from Leinster’s defeat to La Rochelle in last season's Champions Cup final, and bookmakers expect the Irish province to record another resounding triumph, making them 33-point favourites on the handicap.

With Leinster naming a strong side and three of their last five wins coming by 30 or more points, it’s not out of the question that they will surpass that sizeable mark, particularly as Gloucester have made 13 changes from their win over Bordeaux last time out.

Gloucester's team selection suggests that they have written off the trip to Dublin with Santiago Carreras, Chris Harris and Jonny May among the big guns absent from the travelling party.

Even with a full complement, Gloucester would do well to stand up to a Leinster side who bullied Racing up front with five of their six tries being scored by forwards.

Flanker Josh van der Flier crossed for a brace of tries in France, continuing his recent love affair with the Champions Cup having scored six tries in eight games last season.

With several potential Leinster tryscorers odds-on to dot down in what’s expected to be a one-sided affair, World Rugby Player of the Year Van der Flier stands out as a value wager to score a try.

Friday’s other European game looks a more competitive heat with South African side Sharks 1.5-point underdogs for their trip to Bordeaux.

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A 65" TV

Not got a bet365 account? Bet £10 & get £50 in free bets

Open account offer. Minimum deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as bet credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Minimum odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude bet credits stake. Time limits/T&Cs apply. 18+ begambleaware.org

CLAIM OFFER HERE

MORE FREE BETS

Sign up to emails from Racing Post Sport and get all the latest news and tips

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport