Stormers vs Lions
The two bottom team clash in this encounter with the Stormers ruing their last minute loss to the Bulls. The Stormers had a rollercoaster run losing their home games but winning away to the Sharks. The Lions were always going to struggle as they lost a host of players to overseas clubs and the biggest blow came when talisman Elton Jantjies left weeks before the Rainbow Cup started. Since this is a dead rubber we can expect the teams to throw the ball around and score plenty of tries. There is an interesting sub plot in this match regarding the star of the competition so far, Edwill Van der Merwe. He has been sensational and looks certain to gain higher honors very soon. He has got great pace and a brilliant sidestep and is unbelievable in the air. The only thing nobody can understand is how the Stormers let him go to the Lions next season. He will be keen to shine against his new employers. The Stormers as usual will look to their powerful forward pack to get them over the advantage line and release their dangerous backline. The Lions have looked good in patches and have struggled to play out a full 80 minute performance. Jordan Hendrikse has been a shining light since he came into the team and is definitely a long term replacement for Jantjies. He has a great all round game and his game management belies his young age. The Stormers have struggled with their number 10 position but seem to have found the answer in Tim Swiel. His experience has really come to the fore and his tactical nous was sadly missing in the first two games. The years playing overseas has taught Swiel excellent game control and has taken the pressure of Herschel Jantjies.
TIP: The Lions DNA is to run the ball and that is great if you got the personnel to do it. They have for many seasons had great success with this plan but unfortunately this current team is trying too hard. A classic example is star midfielder Wandisile Simelane who lost the ball on numerous occasions against the Sharks trying the impossible off load. There has to be a balance in attack and the Lions are struggling to find that. The Stormers on attack are patient and that has allowed them to break down the defences. They are the most dangerous team on counter attack as they have pace to burn with their wings. The key for the Lions will be to treasure ball possession otherwise the Stormers will make them pay. The bookies have the Stormers as favourites and I will have to agree with that. The best odds on the Stormers victory is at Worldsportsbetting 1.35, Playabets 1.28 and Sunbet 1.34
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Stormers vs Lions
- The last five encounters between the sides have seen the Stormers victorious.
- The Stormers have won their last three home matches against the Lions.
- The last time the Stormers were beaten at home by the Lions was in 2015.
Latest results for both teams
The Stormers lost their last match against the Bulls 31-27 while the Lions lost their last match against the Sharks 33-21.
PREDICTION
The Stormers showed their great ability to defend in their match against the Bulls even when they were down to 13 men. The Lions will have to show creativity in attack to break down the Stormers defensive wall. The Stormers have been their own biggest enemy in this competition as they have been the most ill-disciplined team. Most of their games has seen them down to 14 men and sometimes even to 13. The Lions scrum has been a major positive with props Carlu Sadie and Sithembiso Sithole gaining the upper hand in most pf the matches. The player that the Stormers always turn to Pieter-Steph du Toit and he once again shown why he is World Player of the Year. His powerful runs and tireless work rate is amazing right till the final whistle. The Lions will be competitive in this match but I predict the Stormers to win it in the second half by more than 10 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Stormers
15 Damian Willemse, 14 Rosko Specman, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Rikus Pretorius, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Tim Swiel, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Willie Engelbrecht, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 David Meihuizen, 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff (captain).
Lions
15 EW Viljoen; 14 Rabz Maxwane, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Burger Odendaal (captain), 11 Courtnall Skosan; 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 André Warner; 8 Len Massyn, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 MJ Pelser; 5 Reinhard Nothnagel, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Sithembiso Sithole.
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Stormers victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.35
Playabets 1.28
Sunbet 1.34
Odds comparison on the Stormers handicap:
The complete odds on the Stormers handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-8.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-8.5) 1.92
Playabets (-8.5) 1.88
Predictions and Odds in details
This match as with all local derbies will be the battle with the forwards that will decide this match. The scrum battle looks to be fairly even but the Stormers hold the edge in the locks and flankers. Former Lions man Marvin Orie will be keen to show his former employees they were wrong to let him go. The player that I think will have the biggest impact is Edwill van der Merwe. The Lions will need their kicking game to be pin point otherwise he will have a field day with counter attacking. The Stormers will be the more desperate team as they will be trying very hard to avoid the embarrassment of losing all their home matches. The bookies are offering fairly decent returns on the Stormers outright victory but the value bet that I suggest is the Stormers on the handicap. The best odds on the Stormers handicap victory are: Worldsportsbetting (-8.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-8.5) 1.92 and Playabets (-8.5) 1.88
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.
