Bulls vs Lions
The Bulls will be confident coming into this match after they thrashed the Lions in their own backyard last week. The Bulls are 12th on the log and the Lions are 13th. They both have 12 points from their seven matches. The Bulls have selected a full strength team again while the Lions have made several changes. The biggest change for the Lions is at flyhalf where Tiaan Swanepoel replaces Fred Zeilinga who had an absolute nightmare of a game. He doesn’t even make the Lions bench. The Lions were heavily penalized in the last match and will need to improve their discipline.
TIP: The Bulls started the last match like a house on fire and were quickly in a big lead. The Lions fell into the Bulls trap of kicking away possession. The Lions are at their most dangerous when they keep the ball in hand and run from anywhere. The Bulls rush defence forced the Lions into kicking. The Bulls powerful forwards dominated the Lions at the breakdowns. 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: Worldsportsbetting 1.07, Playabets 1.04 and Sunbet 1.06
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Bulls vs Lions
- The Bulls have won four of the last five matches between the sides. .
- The Bulls have won their last five home matches against the Lions..
- The last time the Lions won in Pretoria was in 2018.
Latest results for both teams
The Bulls beat the Lions 34-10 in these teams last match..
PREDICTION
The Lions were expected to dominate the scrums in the last match but the Bulls showed great character by only conceding one penalty at scrum time. The Bulls had the clear advantage in the lineouts and disrupted the Lions ball at every opportunity. The major difference between the sides was undoubtedly the performance of the respective flyhalfs with Morne Steyn having a brilliant game while the Lions ten had his worst day in a Lions jersey. There is a new midfield combination for the Lions and they will be hoping that this gives them a better attack. The Bulls will win this match by less than 14 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Bulls
15 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Madosh Tambwe, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Zak Burger, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Arno Botha, 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Walt Steenkamp, 3 Jacques van Rooyen, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Simphiwe Matanzima.
Lions
15 Divan Rossouw, 14 Stean Pienaar, 13 Manuel Rass, 12 Matt More, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Tiaan Swanepoel, 9 Andre Warner, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Emmanuel Tshituka, 6 Jaco Kriel (captain), 5 Ruben Schoeman, 4 Ruhan Straeuli, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Pieter Botha, 1 Sithembiso Sithole.
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Bulls victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.07
Playabets 1.04
Sunbet 1.06
Odds comparison on the Lions handicap :
The complete odds on the Lions handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+18.5) 1.95
Sunbet (+19.5) 1.94
Playabets (19.5) 1.87
Predictions and Odds in details
Both teams have excellent driving mauls and score plenty of tries through this avenue. The Bulls not only have a great maul but their defence of the maul was brilliant and ultimately won them the match. The Lions will need to work on their maul defence or this match could be over fairly early as a contest. There are poor returns on the Bulls outright victory therefore I suggest the away team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+18.5) 1.95, Sunbet (+19.5) 1.94 and Playabets (19.5) 1.87
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.
