Lions vs. Pumas
The Pumas started the season like a house on fire but they were brought back to earth last week by Western Province. The Lions on the other hand seem to be finally playing as a team and they would want nothing more than a resounding victory against the Pumas. The Lions fly-half Jordan Hendrikse will again look to impose his huge boot to proceedings and if he can control the game the Lions will win .The return of some of the Springbok players has been a blessing for the Lions and the Pumas once again showed that if they have a few injuries they tend to struggle this is a perfect opportunity for the Lions to climb up the ladder. The Lions have a formidable front row with the likes of Carlu Sadie and Ruan Dreyer. Their experience should be enough to see them have the edge over the Pumas scrum.
TIP: The Lions for so long the flag bearer of the South African franchises must now start from scratch as they have lost the core of their team over the years. There was plenty to be optimistic about in their last match and they gave their fans something to shout about against a very strong Bulls team. I am tipping the Lions to win this match while the bookies also have the Lions as favourites for this game. The best odds on the Lions win can be found at Worldsportsbetting 1.36, Sunbet 1.38 and Playabets 1.40
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Lions vs Pumas
- In the last 5 matches there has been one Pumas win.
- The Lions have won their last four home games against the Pumas.
- The last time the Lions lost at home to the Pumas was in 2015.
Latest results for both teams
The Lions lost their last game against the Bulls 40-21 while the Pumas lost to WP 37-23.
PREDICTION
The desperation of the Lions team will make sure that they win this contest. The likes of Wandisile Simelane and Rabz Maxwane will want their forwards to lay the ground work so that they can show all their silky running skills. Pumas will have to try and match the Lions in the forwards otherwise it will be a long day for them. I predict a Lions win by more than 10 points
- Probable Starting XVs
Lions
15 Wandisile Simelane, 14 Rabz Maxwane, 13 Manuel Rass, 12 Dan Kriel, 11 Courtnall Skosan, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Andre Warner, 8 Francke Horn (captain), 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Sibusiso Sangweni, 5 FP Pelser, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Ruan Dreyer.
Pumas
15 Devon Williams, 14 Sebastián de Klerk, 13 Erich Cronje, 12 Matt More, 11 Etienne Taljaard, 10 Eddie Fouche, 9 Ginter Smuts, 8 Willie Engelbrecht, 7 Khwezi Mafu, 6 Daniel Maartens, 5 Pieter van Vuuren (captain), 4 Shane Kirkwood, 3 Ignatius Prinsloo, 2 Simon Westraadt, 1 Dewald Maritz.
Odds for this bet
The odds on the Lions win are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.36
Sunbet 1.38
Playabets 1.40
Odds comparison on Lions handicap win
The Lions handicap win best odds
Worldsportsbetting (-7.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-7.5) 1.93
Playabets (-6.5) 1.92
Predictions and Odds in details
There are many opportunities for these teams in this year’s competition as the matches are coming thick and fast so if a team goes on a good run they can climb the ladder pretty fast. I feel that the Lions have turned the corner and will be a force to be reckoned with for the rest of the season. The Pumas Coach will hope that his team can rekindle the early season form and will look to his experienced players like Devon Williams and Eddie Fouche to once again ignite the backline. There are not great odds on the Lions outright victory therefore I suggest the Lions on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-7.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-7.5) 1.93 and Playabets (-6.5) 1.92
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.
