Stormers vs Bulls
The North vs South derby match takes centre stage in the URC this weekend. Both teams have been in fantastic form having won their last four matches and in the Bulls case the last five matches. Both teams are now in the playoff positions with the Bulls just one point ahead of the Stormers on the log. The Bulls have won three of their seven away matches but this will be the toughest of tests for them. The Stormers have won their last five home matches and have been brilliant in the way that they play.
TIP: The resurgence in the Bulls form can be attributed to their more expansive game plan. In the past they were a very one dimensional team that relied on their forwards to carry the ball forward. They have now evolved and the backs and forwards are playing as one which makes defending against them very tough. The Stormers have also been playing a running game which is great to watch. The bookies have the Stormers as favourites and I also tip them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.74, Playabets 1.75 and Sunbet 1.70.
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Stormers vs Bulls
- The Stormers have only won one of the last five matches against the Bulls.
- The Stormers won the last match between the sides .
Latest results for both teams
The Stormers beat the Ospreys 29-13 in their last match while the Bulls beat Ulster 34-16 in their last match.
PREDICTION
Both these teams have extremely strong forward packs but the Stormers seem to have the advantage at the scrums. The wings on both these teams are among the fastest and most dangerous in the competition and if given space then there could be a try fest. The player that has changed the overall structure that the Stormers play is Mannie Libbok. He has been travelling around the country looking for the right club and he has found home at the Stormers. He is super-fast and always looking for the gap. The Bulls will have to keep him quite if they want to win this match. I am predicting a Stormers win by 5 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Stormers
15 Damian Willemse, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Rikus Pretorius, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Hacjivah Dayimani, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Adre Smith, 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Steven Kitshoff (c)
Bulls
15 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Madosh Tambwe, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Zak Burger, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Cyle Brink, 6 Marcell Coetzee (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Walt Steenkamp, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Stormers victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.74
Playabets 1.75
Sunbet 1.70
Odds comparison on the Stormers handicap :
The complete odds on the Stormers handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-1.5) 1.85
Sunbet (-1.5) 1.90
Playabets (-1.5) 1.87
Predictions and Odds in details
The lineouts and scrum will decide the outcome of this match as both these teams love to use their driving mauls from the lineout. The scrum battle will be fierce but the Stormers have left two excellent props on the bench. This could be a brilliant idea or it could flop badly. The battle between the two number 8s will be worth the ticket alone. Two youngsters Elrigh Louw and Evan Roos go toe to toe with a likely Springbok spot on the line. There are decent odds on the Stormers win but we suggest the home team on the handicap for better returns. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-1.5) 1.85, Sunbet (-1.5) 1.90 and Playabets (-1.5) 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.
