Bulls vs Benetton
The Bulls will be looking to seal a home quarter final when they host Benetton at Loftus Versfeld. The home side need an 80-minute performance after they almost came unstuck in their last match against Glasgow after blowing a 20 point lead. Benetton shocked the Sharks in the last match after winning 25-24 and in the process kept alive their hopes of a playoff position. They currently sit in eighth spot but there are a number of teams breathing down their neck. If they are to confirm their place they will need to win their remaining two games. This is a tough ask as the Bulls have only lost once at home all season.
TIP: The Bulls power game is their biggest weapon especially at home but in recent matches their backline play has also been outstanding. Benetton will need to find a way on how to match the Bulls forward pack otherwise the home team will have a field day. The visitors should look to keep ball in hand as aimless kicking to the dangerous Bulls back three will be duly punished by the likes of Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie. The bookies have the Bulls as favorites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.06, SoccerShop 1.06 and Bettabets 1.06
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Bulls vs Benetton
- The Bulls have won two of the three matches between the sides.
- The home side have only lost once in this fixture.
Latest results for both teams
The Bulls beat Glasgow 40-34 in their last match while Benetton beat the Sharks 25-24 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Bulls have started all their home matches like a house on fire so Benetton need to be on defence from the outset or they could see the score blow out very quickly. Johan Goosen is still suspended so Chris Smith will continue in the flyhalf position. He has been superb in the last few matches and his partnership with Embrose Papier has proven to hot to handle by opposing teams. The Italian side have some dangerous players in their team, none more so than Tommaso Menoncello who was the Six Nations player of the tournament. The Bulls have the advantage at set pieces so we can expect an onslaught on the Benetton pack. I am predicting a Bulls win by 22 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Bulls
15 Willie le Roux, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 David Kriel, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje (captain), 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.
Benetton
5 Rhyno Smith, 14 Ignacio Mendy, 13 Tommaso Menoncello, 12 Ignacio Brex, 11 Onisi Ratave, 10 Leonardo Marin, 9 Andy Uren, 8 Lorenzo Cannone, 7 Sebastian Negri, 6 Alessandro Izekor, 5 Eli Snyman (captain), 4 Niccolò Cannone, 3 Simone Ferrari, 2 Gianmarco Lucchesi, 1 Federico Zani.
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Bulls victory are as follows:
Tictacbets 1.06
SoccerShop 1.06
Bettabets 1.06
Odds comparison on the Bulls handicap:
The complete odds on the Bulls handicap:
Tictacbets 1.90 (-16.5)
SoccerShop 1.87 (-16.5)
Bettabets 1.89 (-16.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor odds on the Bulls outright win therefore we suggest backing the home team on the handicap for better odds. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.90 (-16.5), SoccerShop 1.87 (-16.5) and Bettabets 1.89 (-16.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Edinburgh vs Munster
Zebre vs Scarlets
Bath vs Northampton
Saracens vs Sale Sharks
Harlequins vs Bristol
Gloucester vs Newcastle
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.
