Lions vs Bulls
The Lions will be happy with their performances in their last two matches with a win and a draw away from home. This is always the ultimate challenge for them when they take on their Jukskei rivals the Bulls. The Bulls on the other hand bounced back from their defeat to the Sharks by smashing the hapless Griquas at Loftus. Coach Jake White has made wholesale changes to the team and the most significant changes are the resting of Johan Goosen and Captain Marcell Coetzee. We have seen very high scoring games this season and I expect this trend to continue in this match. The Lions seem to have their attack firing on all cylinders but their problems remains a very porous defence. The Bulls were also not good in defence shipping 33 points against the Griquas. The Bulls have Chris Smit at flyhalf in this match and I’m certain that the Lions will target his channel to attack.
TIP: In recent matches we have seen Lions flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse step up and he has looked great in attack and also solid in defence. His all round play has improved a lot and he has always possessed a massive boot on him. His kicking from hand and goal kicking has been superb recently. The changes to the Bulls side have weakened the pack and the Lions will have the edge in the forwards and especially at scrum time. The Lions best chance of a win will rest on their forwards getting them front foot ball to launch their attacks. The Lions front row will be looking for redemption as they performed poorly against the Cheetahs and one man in particular that I expect a big match from is Sti Sithole. The bookies have the Bulls as favourites and I also tip them for a close victory. The best odds on the Bulls victory are as follows: : Worldsportsbetting 1.16,Playabets 1.20 and Sunbet 1.19
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Lions vs Bulls
- In the last five matches there has only been one Lions victory.
- The home team has won the last five matches.
- The Bulls last beat the Lions at home in 2019.
Latest results for both teams
The Bulls won their last match against the Griquas 56-33 while the Lions drew their last match against the Cheetahs 44-44.
PREDICTION
The man that was electric in their draw with the Cheetahs was winger Rabz Maxwane. His pace and ability to burst through tackles was the reason that the Lions kept fighting back. He scored two tries and set another one up. The Bulls will need to closely mark him. The Bulls will look to their experienced centre pairing of Lionel Mapoe and Harold Vorster. They have the class to get through the defensive line and to also get the ball out to the dangerous wingers Kurt-Lee Arendse and Madosh Tambwe. There will be a great battle between the halfback back pairings but the Lions have the edge because of their excellent scrumhalf Andre Warner. He is one of the main reasons for the Lions upsurge in form as he is involved in attack and defence. His defensive capabilities came to the fore in the last two matches as he made numerous try saving tackles. This will be a tight contest but I predict the Bulls to win by 3 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Lions
15 EW Viljoen, 14 Stean Pienaar, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Burger Odendaal (captain), 11 Rabz Maxwane, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Andre Warner, 8 Travis Gordon, 7 Sibusiso Sangweni, 6 Mark Snyman, 5 Ruben Schoeman, 4 PJ Steenkamp, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Sti Sithole.
Bulls
15 David Kriel, 14 Madosh Tambwe, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Keagan Johannes, 8 WJ Steenkamp, 7 Muller Uys, 6 Arno Botha (captain), 5 Janko Swanepoel, 4 Walt Steenkamp, 3 Jacques van Rooyen, 2 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 1 Simphiwe Matanzima.
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Bulls victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.16
Playabets 1.20
Sunbet 1.19
Odds comparison on the Lions handicap :
The complete odds on the Lions handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+13.5) 1.90
Sunbet (+12.5) 1.91
Playabets (+10.5) 1.83
Predictions and Odds in details
The Bulls used their rolling maul to great effect against the Griquas and the Lions will need to be at their defensive best to stop the maul. They also use the maul as an attacking weapon but it wasn’t working well in the last match. The Lions will look to keep the ball in hand and run from deep but they will need to make sure that they do don’t make any errors as the Bulls are deadly on turnover ball. In all matches between these sides the battle in the forwards will decide the match. Although the Lions will have the edge in the scrums I feel the Bulls bench will have the final say when they come on in the second half. There is not much returns for punters on the Bulls outright victory therefore I suggest a bet on the Lions handicap. The best odds on the Lions handicap is as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+13.5) 1.90, Sunbet (+12.5) 1.91 and Playabets (+10.5) 1.83
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.
