Bulls vs Lions
The Bulls welcome the Lions to their fortress Loftus Versfeld although he fort was breached on the last teams visit when the Stormers beat the home side 23-19. The Lions on the other hand will come into this match full of confidence after they finally broke their win drought with an excellent win over the high flying Glasgow Warriors. One of the main reasons for the win was the return of Francke Horn. The elusive number 8 was everywhere on the field and was the link between the forwards and the backs, something the Lions sorely missed in his absence.
TIP: The Lions have a mathematical chance of making the playoffs as they are six points behind the eighth placed team but will need to win their remaining matches which will need a minor miracle. The Bulls on the other hand are comfortably placed in the playoff positions but will be looking to bounce back from the Stormers defeat, with a win taking them ever closer to the top four positions and a home playoff match. The bookies have the Bulls as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.12, Gbets 1.14 and Hollywoodbets 1.13
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Bulls vs Lions
- The Bulls have won the last six matches against the Lions.
- The last time the Lions beat the Bulls was in 2021.
Latest results for both teams
The Bulls lost 23-19 to the Stormers in their last match while the Lions beat Glasgow 35-24 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Bulls loss to the Stormers was their first home defeat of the season and the Lions can expect an epic backlash from the home side. The Lions despite being on a run of five losses have been excellent in the scrums all season and will look to attack the Bulls at set piece time. The home team will be hoping that flyhalf Chris Smith is able to launch his dangerous backline as the backs struggled for cohesion in the last match. The Lions will need their 10 Gianni Lombard to show a major improvement in his game as he has been too slow and battled with his goal kicking. The Bulls will be too strong therefore I predict a home win by 18 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Bulls
15 David Kriel, 14 Cornal Hendricks, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Sibusiso Nkosi, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Zak Burger, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Cyle Brink, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje (captain), 4 Jacques Du Plessis, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.
Lions
15 Quan Horn, 14 Sibahle Maxwane, 13 Manuel Rass, 12 Marius Louw (captain), 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Gianni Lombard, 9 Sanele Nohamba, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Emmanuel Tshituka, 6 Jaco Kriel, 5 Ruben Schoeman, 4 Ruan Venter, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 Pieter Botha, 1 Jean-Pierre Smith.
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Bulls victory are as follows:
Betway 1.12
Gbets 1.14
Hollywoodbets 1.13
Odds comparison on the Bulls handicap:
The complete odds on the Bulls handicap:
Betway 1.88 (-13.5)
Gbets 1.91 (-13.5)
Hollywoodbets1.90 (-13.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor returns on the Bulls outright win therefore we suggest the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.88 (-13.5), Gbets 1.91 (-13.5) and Hollywoodbets1.90 (-13.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Bristol Bears vs Northampton Saints
Leicester Tigers vs Bath Rugby
Harlequins vs Exeter Chiefs
Newcastle Falcons vs London Irish
Sale Sharks vs Saracens
Sports crazy fan that follows all major sport but the game with the oval ball is my real passion. Was an age level rugby coach and a huge supporter of the Springboks and diehard Liverpool man. I’m an experienced punter and sports writer whose predictions/tips are sure to stir up the emotions. I love the occasional wager on the underdog.
