Bulls vs Pumas
The Bulls welcome the Pumas to Loftus Versfeld for this Currie Cup match. The home team currently occupy top spot on the table with 42 points from ten games while the visitors are in fifth spot with 20 points but have played a game less. The Bulls have secured their home semi-final but are looking to top the table so that they can get a home final should they win their semi-final match. They have been in excellent form winning eight matches, with one loss and a draw. They are a point ahead of the second placed Cheetahs but have played an extra game to the Bloemfontein side
TIP: The Bulls will be ruing their home loss to the Cheetah as this was their only blemish at Loftus this season. It will be interesting to see if the home team uses their URC players in this match. The Pumas are in a titanic battle for fourth place and are one point behind the Griquas who currently occupy the last playoff position. The bookies have the Bulls as favourites and I am also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.16, Playabets 1.16 and Sunbet 1.18
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Bulls vs Pumas
- The Bulls have won four of the last five matches between these sides.
- The Pumas last won in Pretoria in 2016.
Latest results for both teams
The Bulls won their last match 43-37 against the Lions while the Pumas lost their last match 23-17 against Western Province.
PREDICTION
They have only themselves to blame as they lost their last match at home to Western Province. Coach Jimmy Stonehouse will no doubt have his team pumped up for this match as it is a do or die affair. The Pumas will be hoping that the unbeaten Cheetahs do them a favour and beat Griquas in Kimberley. It has been a strange season for the Pumas as they have only lost once away from home while losing four of their five matches at home. They will be hoping to continue with their great away form. I am predicting a Bulls win by 6 points
- Probable Starting XVs
Bulls
15 James Verity-Am, 14 David Kriel, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Marco Janse van Vuren, 11 Richard Kriel, 10 Morne Steyn, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Muller Uys, 7 Reinhardt Ludwig, 6 WJ Steenkamp, 5 Janko Swanepoel, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Robert Hunt, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Lizo Gqoboka (captain).
Puma
15 Devon Williams, 14 Sebastian de Klerk, 13 Alwayno Visagie, 12 Eddie Fouche, 11 Tapiwa Mafura, 10 Tinus de Beer, 9 Chriswill September, 8 Willie Engelbrecht (captain), 7 Phumzile Maqondwana, 6 Daniel Maartens, 5 Shane Kirkwood, 4 Deon Slabbert, 3 Ignatius Prinsloo, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Corne Fourie.
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Bulls victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.16
Playabets 1.16
Sunbet 1.18
Odds comparison on the Pumas handicap :
The complete odds on the Pumas handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+10.5) 1.91
Sunbet (+10.5) 1.89
Playabets (+10.5) 1.81
Predictions and Odds in details
There seems to be a simple explanation on why the Pumas perform better away from home as they play an expansive game on the road which has caught most teams out. The Bulls have been using their URC players in the Currie Cup whilst the other teams have mainly been using age group players in the domestic competition. We are backing the Bulls to win this match. The Bulls on the outright win offer poor odds therefore I suggest the visitors on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+10.5) 1.91, Sunbet (+10.5) 1.89 and Playabets (+10.5) 1.81
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.