Lions vs Bulls
It’s another round of the Jukskei derby and as always these are titanic battles. The Bulls were ultra-impressive as they thumped the then log leading Sharks while the Lions will still be wandering how they allowed the Stormers to score twice in the closing minutes and snatch victory from them. The Lions will be desperate to break their duck and record their first victory while the Bulls will want to build on their impressive run in the competition. The Bulls can be thankful that that Morne Steyn seems to be getting better like a fine wine. His form defies his age and is being touted as the Springbok number 10 for the Lions series. This may be premature but there is no doubting that his class is shining through. In the first round match between these teams the result was in the balance until Steyn came on as a replacement and guided the Bulls to a comfortable victory in the end. The Lions seem to have unearthed a star in new flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse and he was sensational in a losing cause. It will be interesting to see how he goes against the wily old Steyn. It is hoped that Hendrikse could be the long time replacement for Elton Jantjies. The Lions forward pack did exceptionally well against the Springboks laden Stormers pack and they will hope to continue that form against a very strong Bulls pack. The genius of Jake White was at the fore again last week when he held back Lizo Gqoboka for the second half and when he came on he destroyed the Sharks scrum. I am sure the Lions saw this and know that even their replacement front rankers must be ready for a scrum battle till the final whistle.
TIP: Jake White has recruited brilliantly for the Bulls and has the perfect blend of experience and youthful potential. His masterstroke of starting the last game with his weaker front row paid handsome dividends in the second half. The Bulls will no doubt look to target the Lions young side and especially Hendrikse in the crucial pivot position. The bench strength of the Bulls is causing teams headaches and as the opposition starts tiring, the fresh legged replacements are ready to run them ragged. The Bulls Marco van Staden must be surely pushing for national honours and again was superb against the Sharks. The bookies have the Bulls as favourites and I also tip them to comfortably win this match. The best odds on the Bulls victory are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.40, Hollywoodbets 1.5 and Sunbet 1.34
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Lions vs Bulls
- The last seven matches between these sides have been won by the Bulls.
- The Lions last won a home match against the Bulls in 2018.
- The last match between the sides saw the Bulls win 24-9.
Latest results for both teams
The Lions lost their last match against the Stormers 39-37 while the Bulls won their last match against the Sharks 43-9.
PREDICTION
The Bulls have experience all through the side either in the starting XV or on the bench and this is a massive advantage especially when the big moments in the game take place. They have by far the best loose trio in the competition in Van Staden, Duane Vermeulen and Arno Botha. They have the perfect blend of power and the ball stealing abilities that complement each other. The Lions looked good on attack but it is their defence that needs to improve otherwise the Bulls will run them ragged. There is just too much firepower in this Bulls team therefore I predict a comfortable Bulls victory by more than 10 points
- Probable Starting XVs
Lions
15 EW Viljoen, 14 Rabz Maxwane, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Burger Odendaal (captain), 11 Courtnall Skosan, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 André Warner, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 MJ Pelser, 5 Reinhard Nothnagel, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Sithembiso Sithole.
Bulls
15 David Kriel, 14 Madosh Tambwe, 13 Marco Janse van Vuren, 12 Cornal Hendricks, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Duane Vermeulen (captain), 7 Arno Botha, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Walt Steenkamp, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Bulls victory are as follows.
Worldsportsbetting 1.40
Hollywoodbets 1.50
Sunbet 1.34
Odds comparison on a Bulls handicap victory
The complete odds on the Bulls handicap victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting (-7.5) 1.90
Hollywoodbets (-4.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-7.5) 1.87
Predictions and Odds in details
The Bulls have given a new lease of life to some players that were thought to be too old. Morne Steyn is the obvious one but there are others like Cornal Hendricks and Arno Botha who have started playing some of the best rugby late in their careers. This has to do with the special coaching ability of Jake White and his gift of getting the best out of his players. After last week’s performance the Bulls must be the favourites for yet another title. The Lions will need to be at their very best to make sure that this match remains a contest right till the very end. The bookies are offering decent odds on the Bulls outright victory but I feel they will win comfortably therefore the value bet is the Bulls on the handicap victory. The best odds on the handicap victory are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-7.5) 1.90, Hollywoodbets (-4.5) 1.90 and Sunbet (-7.5) 1.87
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.
