Lions vs Bulls
The Lions started last weekend as the top ranked South African side in the URC but a loss to the Sharks and victory for the Stormers has seen both these teams overtake them on the log. The Lions are in 13th position with 12 points and the Bulls are second from the bottom with just six points. This is a strange situation as the Bulls have dominated all their local counterparts but have great difficulty transferring that form to the URC. On the basis of last week’s team selection it seems the Bulls are focusing more on the Currie Cup than the URC.
TIP: Unlike last time out against the Stormers, this week the Bulls have selected their strongest team. The Bulls have dominated their opposition with their powerful forward pack but recently the Lions have also shown strength in the forwards. The battle between the centers look mouthwatering and the pairing that can get their backline firing will go a long way to winning the match for their team. The bookies have the Bulls as favourites and I also tip them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.22, Playabets 1.21 and Sunbet 1.23
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Lions vs Bulls
- The Bulls have won seven of the last eight matches against the Lions.
- The Lions have lost four of their last five home matches against the Bulls.
- The Bulls won the last match between these sides 48-21.
Latest results for both teams
The Lions lost their last match 47-37 against the Sharks while the Bulls lost 30-26 to the Stormers.
PREDICTION
The Lions have arguably the strongest scrum among the South African teams and the Bulls have the weakest scrum so it stands to reason that the Lions will be targeting their scrum. The Bulls certainly have the better loose trio but the Lions do have the more potent backline. The Lions have two of the fastest wings in Edwill van der Merwe and Sibahle Maxwane and if given any space they will make the Bulls play. If the Lions can stop the Bulls driving maul then they have a chance of winning. I am expecting a close match with the Bulls winning by less than 7 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Lions
15 EW Viljoen, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Burger Odendaal (c), 11 Sibahle Maxwane, 10 Fred Zeilinga, 9 Andre Warner, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Emmanuel Tshituka, 6 Jaco Kriel, 5 Willem Alberts, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Sti Sithole
Bulls
15 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Madosh Tambwe, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Arno Botha, 6 Marcell Coetzee (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Walt Steenkamp, 3 Jacques van Rooyen, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Simphiwe Matanzima
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Bulls victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.23
Playabets 1.21
Sunbet 1.23
Odds comparison on the Lions handicap :
The complete odds on the Lions handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+10.5) 1.95
Sunbet (+9.5) 1.93
Playabets (+10.5) 1.84
Predictions and Odds in details
The home team are famous for their running rugby and if they can get their backs and forwards interlinking they could cause a upset. The Bulls will stick to their tried and tested formula of bashing the ball up with their forwards and having Morne Steyn control the games with his boot. He will need to be accurate with his kicking for territory as the Lions are brilliant at counter attacking. The bookies are offering poor returns on the Bulls outright win therefore I suggest the home team on the generous handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+10.5) 1.95, Sunbet (+9.5) 1.93 and Playabets (+10.5) 1.84
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.
