Bulls vs Zebre
The Bulls welcome Zebre to Loftus Versfeld for this URC match having finally broken their win drought in the last match albeit, it was in the Currie Cup. They were on a ten game losing streak across all competitions before the win against Griquas. The team that played was their full strength URC squad, showing how desperate they were for the win. Zebre on the other hand have had a woeful season and are the only winless team in the competition although they came close to beating Cardiff in the last match before eventually going down 34-30.
TIP: The Bulls will be looking for their first URC win in five matches while Zebre will be looking to avoid the embarrassment of going through an entire season without a win. The home team are a different beast at Loftus and the visitors will be looking for a solid start otherwise things could end up pear shaped very quickly. Zebre must avoid many set pieces as this is an area the Bulls are super strong. The bookies have the Bulls as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.02, Gbets 1.03 and Hollywoodbets 1.02
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Bulls vs Zebre
- The only previous meeting between the teams was won 45-7 by the Bulls
Latest results for both teams
The Bulls lost 33-9 to Toulouse in their last match while Zebre were beaten 34-30 by Cardiff in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Bulls have looked a shadow of themselves in the second half of the season since their Captain Marcell Coetzee left for a sabbatical in Japan. The visitors on the other hand have looked great in some matches but have lacked the composure in the big moments. This match is likely to be an open affair as both teams have shown a tendency to throw the ball around. The power of the Bulls pack is their big advantage with big ball runners like Elrigh Louw, Cyle Brink and Marco van Staden. Zebre to have any chance of causing an upset will need to be accurate when they are in possession and not allow the Bulls any turnover ball. I am predicting a home win by over 25 points
Probable Starting XVs
Bulls
15 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 David Kriel, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Cyle Brink, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje (c), 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.
Zebre
15 Jacopo Trulla, 14 Pierre Bruno, 13 Boni, 12 Enrico Lucchin (captain), 11 Simone Gesi, 10 Tiff Eden, 9 Alessandro Fusco,8 Matt Kvesic, 7 MJ Pelser, 6 Giacomo Ferrari, 5 Joshua Furno, 4 Dennis Visser, 3 Matteo Nocera, 2 Luca Bigi, 1 Paolo Buonfiglio
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Bulls victory are as follows:
Betway 1.02
Gbets 1.03
Hollywoodbets 1.02
Odds comparison on the Bulls handicap:
The complete odds on the Bulls handicap:
Betway 1.85 (-23.5)
Gbets 1.87 (-23.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-23.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor returns on the Bulls outright win but if you looking for better odds then we suggest the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.85 (-23.5), Gbets 1.87 (-23.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-23.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Brumbies vs Fijian Drua
Northampton Saints vs Saracens
Bulls vs Zebre
Stormers vs Munster
Connacht vs Cardiff
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.
