Lions vs Stormers
Both these teams will be desperate for victory after losing their opening two matches. The Stormers have lost both their home matches and now face an uphill battle to make the finals. They have had narrow defeats but it was their ill-discipline that cost them the match against the Sharks but last week against the Bulls it was their lack of a cutting edge in attack that ultimately cost them victory. They need to find a way to break down stubborn defenses. The Lions seem to be struggling in both the forwards and the backs. The loss of Elton Jantjies is proving to be a major blow as his creativity in attack is being sorely missed. The Lions once had the most powerful pack and scrum in the country but now they are probably the weakest forward pack. The Stormers as we all knew would dominate teams in the scrum with their all Springbok front row. The problem is that the scrum is winning penalties but they are unable to turn that advantage into points. They need attacking star Damian Willemse to come to the party and show his skills to ignite the backline. The good news for the Stormers is that Springbok number 9 Hershel Jantjies should be fit and his threat around the mauls was badly missed last week. The Stormers will need to look at their flyhalf position as back up flyhalf Abner van Reenen looked out of his depth at this level. It remains to be seen if the Stormers management are willing to move Willemse into the 10 spot. This will certainly improve their attack
TIP: The Lions are playing their first home game of the season and will want their first victory. This will not be easy against a Stormers team that is Springbok laden and led by the 2019 World player of the year, Pieter-Steph du Toit. This guy’s return has been nothing short of incredible and after such a long injury lay off he came back and looked the best player on the field. The Lions could suffer three defeats in a row unless they can find a way to improve their attack. They look toothless in attack and up against a team like the Stormers who have the best defence, victory would be very difficult. The bookies have the Stormers as slight favourites and I agree with that prediction. The best odds on the Stormers victory are: Worldsportsbetting 1.60, Hollywoodbets 1.55 and Sunbet 1.49
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Lions vs Stormers
- In the last six matches between these teams there has been just one Lions victory.
- The Lions have lost their last two home matches against the Stormers.
- The last time the Lions beat the Stormers was in 2019.
Latest results for both teams
The Lions lost their last match against the Sharks 34-26 while the Stormers lost their last match against the Bulls 20-16.
PREDICTION
Under normal circumstances the Lions will have a huge home crowd to support them but with that advantage nullified, I have to say I can’t see the Lions upsetting this Stormers team. The Stormers have shown us how strong their scrum is and I expect them to use their rolling maul to great effect this weekend. Both sides are not that fluent on attack but the Stormers certainly have the better defence and more importantly the better forward pack. The game will be won by the Stormers if they maintain their discipline and I’m predicting a Stormers victory by more than 5 points
- Probable Starting XVs
Lions
15 EW Viljoen, 14 Rabz Maxwane, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Dan Kriel, 11 Courtnall Skosan, 10 Fred Zeilinga, 9 André Warner, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 MJ Pelser, 5 Reinhard Nothnagel, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Carlü Sadie, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Sithembiso Sithole.
Stormers
15 Damian Willemse, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Dan du Plessis, 12 Rikus Pretorius, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Abner van Reenen, 9 Hershel Jantjies, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Marcel Theunissen, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 David Meihuizen, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff (captain).
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Stormers victory are:
Worldsportsbetting 1.60
Hollywoodbets 1.55
Sunbet 1.49
Odds comparison on a Stormers handicap victory
The complete odds on the Stormers handicap victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting (-4.5) 1.90
Hollywoodbets (-4.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-4.5) 1.87
Predictions and Odds in details
The Lions have always been a team that loves to run the ball and this worked with a lot success in the past but the foundation were laid by a strong forward pack but unfortunately that is no longer the case. The Lions still want to run the ball but this falls into the opposition hands as they are always on the back foot. The Stormers will use their forward dominance and win penalties at scrum time to drive the Lions back. It remains to be seen if the Stormers will be confident enough to kick for the corner and attack with their maul. I think they will do that as they know they have the far superior pack. The more the Stormers can get Willemse into the game the more chance they have of winning as he is electric when given half a chance. The value for money bet is the Stormers on the handicap victory. The best odds on the Stormers handicap victory are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-4.5) 1.90, Hollywoodbets (-4.5) 1.90 and Sunbet (-4.5) 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.
