Ulster vs Exeter Chiefs Prediction: Ulster to put Chiefs to the sword

Ulster have slim hopes of reaching the European Rugby Champions Cup knockout stages but that has not stopped them naming a strong side for a clash with the Exeter Chiefs at Kingspan Stadium on Friday night (20:00, Premier Sports 1)

Alex Jack delivers his best bet for the clash in Belfast, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for the big game in his Ulster vs Exeter Chiefs prediction.

European Championship Cup Odds

Team News

Starting with the hosts, Jack Murphy will make his first Champions Cup start at fly-half after impressing off the bench against Leicester Tigers last time out.

Murphy is joined by Nathan Doak in the half-backs, Jude Postlethwaite and Ben Carson in the centres, while the back-three will be made up of Michael Lowry, Werner Kok and Stewart Moore.

Eric O’Sullivan, Rob Herring and Scot Wilson start in the front-row, with skipper Ian Henderson partnering Cormac Izuchukwu in the second-row.

Jackes McNabney, Nick Timoney and David McCann start in the back-row to complete the Ulster pack.

As for Exeter, boss Rob Baxter has made 12 changes from the side that were thrashed 69-17 by Bordeaux Begles last time out.

Will Goodrick-Clarke joins skipper Jack Innary and Josh Iosefa-Scott in the front-row, with locks Rusi Tuima and Christ Tshiunza in the engine room.

Martin Moloney, Richard Capstick and Ross Vintcent start in the back-row for the visitors.

Match Odds

Ulster are the heavy 1/9 favourite to claim the win in Belfast on Friday night, with Exeter Chiefs at 6/1 to head back across the Irish Sea with a shock victory.

A draw on the night at Kingspan Stadium is available at odds of 22/1.

Ulster -17 handicap @ 5/6

After a dismal performance against Bordeaux and with a real fight on their hands to avoid relegation from the Premiership this season, Exeter’s team selection speaks volumes about how this game is likely to go.

Ulster have named all their four Ireland-bound stars ahead of the 2025 Six Nations in their starting lineup, with Henderson, Herring, Izuchukwu and McNabney looking to impress ahead of the championship.

Exeter have decided to rest a host of first-team players for the trip across the Irish Sea and there is value to be had in not only backing Ulster for the win, but for the hosts to cover the handicap in the process.

Dry conditions are expected in Belfast on Friday night meaning the weather won’t be a leveller for this under-strength Exeter side here.

The Champions Cup campaign has been one of disappointment for Ulster fans so far this season, but the hosts can give the Kingspan Stadium faithful something to cheer about.

Whether the win will be enough to see Ulster reach the knockout stages, with Bordeaux needed to earn a comprehensive win over the Sharks, remains to be seen, but the home support should at least enjoy their Friday night in Belfast.

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