Bulls vs Stormers
These two teams met three days ago in the Currie Cup and the Bulls demolished the Stormers. The teams selected for this match are completely different to the Currie Cup and as a result that match outcome has no bearing on this contest. The Bulls will again look to their pack to dominate but they will not find it easy against a Bok laden Stormers team. The Bulls team selected for the midweek Currie Cup encounter was actually stronger than the team for this match. The Stormers will be pumped for this match with revenge on their mind.
TIP: One of the most surprising selections that the Stormers have made is leaving Warrick Gelant on the bench. He has been their standout player in the URC and he will feel aggrieved. The Bulls have Chris Smit at flyhalf and his battle with his opposite number Mannie Libbok will be one of the highlights of the match. The Stormers will target the Bulls at scrum time as this looks like it could be an area of weakness for the hosts. 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 1.25, Playabets 1.25 and Sunbet 1.12
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Bulls vs Stormers
- The Bulls have won the last four matches between these sides.
- Before this run of 4 wins the Stormers had won the previous two.
- The last time the Stormers won in Pretoria was in 2017.
Latest results for both teams
The Bulls beat the Stormers 40-21 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The form of the Stormers international players will determine the outcome of this match. Damian Willemse and Herschel Jantjies have a lot to prove after having disappointing tours with the Springboks. If they can get good ball in space then they could cause the Bulls problems. The Bulls will use their rolling maul as their big attacking weapon and if the Stormers can defend the maul they could cause an upset. The match will be a tight affair with the Bulls winning by under 9 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Bulls
15 David Kriel, 14 Madosh Tambwe, 13 Lionel; Mapoe, 12 Cornal Hendricks (captain), 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Elrich Louw, 7 Reinhard Ludwig, 6 Arno Botha, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Walt Steenkamp, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenkamp.
Stormers
15 Damian Willemse, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Rikus Pretorius, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ernst van Rhyn, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Salmaan Moerat (co-captain), 3 Sazi Sandi, 2 Siyabonga Ntubeni, 1 Steven Kitshoff (co-captain)
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Bulls victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.25
Playabets 1.25
Sunbet 1.12
Odds comparison on the Stormers handicap:
The complete odds on the Stormers handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+9.5) 1.90
Sunbet (+8.5) 1.32
Playabets (+9.5) 1.88
Predictions and Odds in details
The Stormers will want to play a high tempo game and move the big Bulls pack around the field. This tactic could work but they need to be accurate otherwise the Bulls have dangerous players like Madosh Tambwe who are excellent with turnover ball. One of the other stand out players for the Stormers has been Evan Roos and his battle with the Bulls loose trio will go a long way to deciding the match. The bookies are offering poor returns on the Bulls outright win therefore I suggest the away team on the generous handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+9.5) 1.90, Sunbet (+8.5) 1.32 and Playabets (+9.5) 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.
