Bulls vs Leinster
The Bulls welcome Leinster to Loftus Versfeld for the first time in this United Rugby Championship match. The only previous meetings between the sides have been in Ireland with the last one being the URC semifinal when the Bulls caused a massive upset by beating Leinster 27-26. The visitors are the only unbeaten team in the competition but had to dig deep in their last match when they beat the Lions 39-36 despite trailing by 14 points late in the match. The Bulls have found form at the right time with a victory securing their place in the quarter finals although they will be on the road for the playoffs.
TIP: Leinster have brought a weakened squad to South Africa for their two matches with many Academy players but they once again showed their incredible depth when they pipped the Lions. The Bulls will want to show no mercy and attack the visitors from the first whistle. The obvious strength of the home team is their powerful forwards and if their pack can lay a solid platform for their exciting backline then this youthful Leinster team could struggle. 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 1.33, Gbets 1.35 and Hollywoodbets 1.33
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Bulls vs Leinster
- These teams have met twice before with each team recording one win.
- This is the first time that Bulls will be playing at home against Leinster.
Latest results for both teams
The Bulls beat Zebre 78-12 in their last match while Leinster beat the Lions 39-36 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Bulls have scored an incredible 118 points in their last two matches while only conceding 17. Leinster will need to be concerned especially if their defence is weak like it was against the Lions. It’s difficult to pinpoint the reasons for the Bulls upturn in form but no doubt having Coach Jake White back fulltime is helping. Leinster will be looking to avenge their semifinal loss but with an understrength team it’s going to be an uphill battle. The home team will once again look to impose their massive forward pack onto the visitors with scrumhalf Embrose Papier pulling the strings. His been one of the standout players from the past two weekends. I am predicting a Bulls win by 12 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.
Leinster
15 Chris Cosgrave, 14 Tommy O’Brien, 13 Liam Turner, 12 Ben Brownlee, 11 Dave Kearney, 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Nick McCarthy, 8 Max Deegan, 7 Will Connors, 6 Rhys Ruddock (captain), 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Brian Deeny, 3 Vakhtang Abdaladze, 2 Lee Barron, 1 Michael Milne
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Bulls victory are as follows:
Betway 1.33
Gbets 1.35
Hollywoodbets 1.33
Odds comparison on the Bulls handicap:
The complete odds on the Bulls handicap:
Betway 1.85 (-8.5)
Gbets 1.87 (-8.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-8.5)
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 (-8.5), Gbets 1.87 (-8.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-8.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Chiefs vs Drua
Cheetahs vs Sharks
Dragons vs Scarlets
Glasgow vs Connacht
Harlequins vs Bath
Griquas vs Griffons
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.
