Pumas vs Bulls
The Pumas and the Bulls start of the 2022 Currie Cup season with the first match taking place in Nelspruit. The Pumas know that in order to be competitive in this tournament they have to win their home matches but beating the defending champions will not be an easy task. The Bulls will be involved in the Currie Cup and the URC with their stronger team playing in the URC. They have however selected a strong team for the opening round of the Currie Cup. The Pumas lost four players to the Lions in the close season and it will be interesting to see how their replacements fare.
TIP: Both these team rely very heavily on their forwards to win them matches so the team whose forwards gain dominance will win the match. The Bulls look to have a better balanced side with great forwards and a potent backline. Bulls captain Cornal Hendricks highlights the dangerous players in the backline. If the backs and forwards can work together then the Bulls will win. The bookies have the Bulls as favourites and I also tip them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.44, Playabets 1.41 and Sunbet 1.44
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Pumas vs Bulls
- The Bulls have won four of the last five matches against Pumas.
- Pumas have won five of their last eight home matches against the Bulls.
- Bulls won the last match between the sides 33-26.
Latest results for both teams
The Pumas drew their last match 13-13 with Griquas while the Bulls lost 30-16 against the Sharks.
PREDICTION
Since it’s the first match of the season there is no form to talk about but the Bulls have plenty of experience in their team which will give them an advantage. The Pumas will need to have their maul defence on top form otherwise the Bulls will maul their way to victory. The battle at flyhalf between Chris Smit and Thinus De Beer will go a long way to deciding the match. Both are superb young players but the 10 that can ignite his backline will come out on top. The Bulls have a quality, experienced side and will attack the inexperienced Pumas players therefore I am predicting an away win by 10 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Pumas
15 Devon Williams, 14 Tapiwa Mafura, 13 Sebastain de Klerk, 12 Robbie Petzer, 11 Lundi Msenge, 10 Thinus de Beer, 9 Giovan Snyman, 8 Willie Engelbrecht (captain), 7 Khwezi Mafu, 6 Daniel Maartens, 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Shane Kirkwood, 3 Ignatius Prinsloo, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Corne Fourie
Bulls
15 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 14 Madosh Tambwe, 13 David Kriel, 12 Cornal Hendricks, 11 Richard Kriel, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Arno Botha, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Jaco Labuschagne, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Walt Steenkamp, 3 Jacques van Rooyen, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Bulls victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.30
Playabets 1.32
Sunbet 1.30
Odds comparison on the Bulls handicap :
The complete odds on the Glasgow handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-5.5) 1.85
Sunbet (-5.5) 1.82
Playabets (-5.5) 1.82
Predictions and Odds in details
The battle between the loose forwards looks to be one of the highlights of the match with the Bulls holding the edge in this department. Both teams have flankers that are excellent at stealing ball at the breakdowns and more importantly, slowing the oppositions ball. The bookies are offering poor returns on the Bulls outright win therefore I suggest the Bulls on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-5.5) 1.85, Sunbet (-5.5) 1.82 and Playabets (-5.5) 1.82
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.
