Bulls vs Lions
The Bulls play host to the Lions in the Jukskei derby at Loftus Versfeld. Both teams come into this match after roller coaster encounters in the European competitions. The Bulls scored 46 points against Bordeaux but almost lost the match after their defence fell apart and they conceded 40. The Lions were comfortably leading the Ospreys before their implosion saw them concede 21 unanswered points to lose 38-28. There are just three points separating the teams on the log with a Lions win taking them from 11th position into fifth place. The Bulls rested their Springbok wingers in the last match and it will interesting to see if they continue with that.
TIP: The Lions learnt the hard way that Gianni Lombard is just a shadow of the player that was an age group star as they flyhalf looked out of his depth in the loss to Ospreys. They will surely return to Sanele Nohamba in the pivot position as he has looked great in that position this year. There will be a number of interesting match ups but the battle between the two 15s, Quan Horn and Willie le Roux promises to be one of the highlights. 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: Betway 1.12, Gbets 1.12 and Hollywoodbets 1.13.
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Bulls vs Lions
- The Bulls have won nine of the last ten matches between these sides.
- The Lions won the last URC match against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.
Latest results for both teams
The Bulls beat Bordeaux 46-40 in their last match while the Lions lost 38-28 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Lions and Bulls will have taken note of their poor defensive structures in the last match and will be looking to be more conservative in their approach. The home team have looked unstoppable on their beloved Loftus but there has been a weakness when they are under attack. The Lions will need their scrum to perform as the Bulls have been excellent in this area after the acquisition of Akker Van der Merwe and Wilco Louw. This could be another high scoring match especially if the Lions also decide to keep the ball in hand. I am predicting a home win by 10 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Bulls
15 Willie le Roux, 14 Sebastian de Klerk, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 David Kriel, 11 Devon Williams, 10 Johan Goosen, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Mpilo Gumede, 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Reinhardt Ludwig, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp
Lions
15 Quan Horn, 14 Richard Kriel, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Marius Louw (captain, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Gianni Lombard, 9 Sanele Nohamba, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Emmanuel Tshituka, 6 JC Pretorius, 5 Reinhard Nothnagel, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 PJ Botha, 1 JP Smith
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Bulls victory are as follows:
Betway 1.12
Gbets 1.12
Hollywoodbets 1.13
Odds comparison on the Lions handicap:
The complete odds on the Lions handicap:
Betway 1.90 (+14.5)
Gbets 1.87 (+14.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.89 (+14.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor odds on the Bulls outright win therefore we suggest backing the away team on the handicap for better odds. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.90 (+14.5), Gbets 1.87 (+14.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.89 (+14.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Bristol vs Bath
Bordeaux vs Stade Francais
Castres vs Clermont
Toulon vs La Rochelle
Black Rams vs Spears Kubota
Canon Eagles vs Kobe Steel
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.
