Bulls vs Pumas
This match will serve as an opportunity for the Bulls to redeem themselves after the pounding they took in the Rainbow Cup final against Benetton. The Pumas on the other hand will look to build on their superb opening match win against the Lions. The Pumas produced an impressive display and dominated with their forwards and their backs. The Bulls team without their Springboks looked disorganized and lacked any direction. The key position of flyhalf was a major problem as Chris Smit looked out of his depth and was not helped by a very poor performance from his halfback partner Ivan Van Zyl. They need a leader right now and Marcell Coetzee has got to step up. He is an international player with loads of experience and needs to help the Blues youngsters during this tough phase. The Pumas looked like they belong in this competition and as always they are expertly coached by Jimmy Stonehouse. He seems to get the best out of players that were rejected by the other unions. The player that impressed the most was number 10 Eddie Fouche. He has been in the wilderness in recent times and returned to the Pumas for the Currie Cup and put in a man of the match performance. He expertly controlled the game knowing when to run or when to kick. His goal kicking was also excellent. The Bulls were found out against Benetton and their lack of penetration in attack is a real worrying concern.
TIP: The Bulls have used their forwards to dominate teams but the Pumas strength lies in the forwards. They have a strong scrum and a very impressive driving maul. The halfback pairing was also excellent but the most dangerous runner is Etienne Taljaard. His blistering pace and eye for the gap is excellent and scored a great solo try. It will be interesting to see how the Bulls respond to last week’s defeat. They will come out firing but if the Pumas and with stand the initial onslaught then this should be a close contest. Jake White will want nothing less than a convincing bounce back victory but that won’t be so easy against a well drilled Pumas teams. The bookies have the Bulls as favourites and I’m tipping them for a narrow win. The best odds on the Bulls victory are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.25, Playabets 1.23
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Bulls vs Pumas
- Bulls have won four of the last five matches between these teams.
- The Bulls have only lost once at home once before to the Pumas.
- The last time the Pumas was in 2018.
Latest results for both teams
The Bulls lost their last match against Benetton 35-8 while the Pumas won their last game against the Lions 39-10.
PREDICTION
After last week’s loss to Benetton there will surely be no complacency from the Bulls. The Pumas need to guard against thinking this will be an easy game like they had against the Lions. The home side must better manage their kicking game and being back at altitude will certainly help. The Bulls wings Stravino Jacobs and Madosh Tambwe have shown us their attacking skills but it’s their defensive skills that were found wanting last week. They will need be to be at their best as the Pumas have great attacking wings. The Bulls will have the strength when it comes to the replacements. The match should be close up until the last 20 minutes when the Bulls bench will win the match for them. I predict a Bulls win by less than 10 points
- Probable Starting XVs
Bulls
15 David Kriel, 14 Madosh Tambwe, 13 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 12 Cornal Hendricks, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Chris Smit, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Marcell Coetzee captain), 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Walt Steenkamp, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.
Pumas
15 Devon Williams, 14 Tapiwa Mafura, 13 Erich Cronje, 12 Ali Mgijima, 11 Etienne Taljaard, 10 Eddie Fouché, 9 Chriswil September, 8 Willie Engelbrecht, 7 Phumzile Maqondwana, 6 Francois Kleinhans, 5 Pieter Jansen van Vuren (captain), 4 Darrien Landsberg, 3 Marné Coetzee, 2 Simon Westraadt, 1 Corne Fourie.
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Bulls victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.25
Playabets 1.23
Odds comparison on the Pumas handicap:
The complete odds on the Pumas handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+10.5) 1.90
Playabets (+9.5) 1.80
Predictions and Odds in details
The Bulls will be determined not to start their Currie Cup campaign with two home defeats. The home team need to find other ways of attacking and not only relying on their forwards to win them matches. I know this has been a tried and tested Bulls formula but when they meet a team that can match them in the forwards then they have all sorts of difficulties. The halfback pairing need to take more responsibility in launching their dangerous backline. The likes of Tambwe and Jacobs thrive when they are put into space. The Pumas have one of the more dangerous full backs in Devon Williams, not only is he great runner but possesses a siege gun of a boot. This match will be won by the Bulls but the Pumas look a good bet on the handicap. The best odds on the Pumas handicap is as follows Worldsportsbetting (+10.5) 1.90 and Playabets (+9.5) 1.80
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.
