Stormers vs Lions
The defending champions Stormers will be out to avenge the home loss they suffered at the hands of the Lions on their last visit to Cape Town. These teams come into this match on the back of contrasting form as the home team had an excellent victory over the Bulls while the Lions were hammered 37-10 by the Sharks. The Stormers will try and use the same tactics from the last match where they used their powerful pack to soften up the opposition before unleashing their potent backline. The Lions forwards will need to show more physicality in this match if they are to cause an upset.
TIP: The Lions have lost three of their last five URC matches and are now hanging on to the last playoff position therefore they will be desperate for the win. They will be quietly confident having beaten the Stormers in this fixture last season although the home team are currently in scintillating form. The Stormers know that a bonus point win will take them to within three points of log leaders, Leinster. The bookies have the Stormers as favourites and I am also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.09 Playabets 1.10 and Sunbet 1.09
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Stormers vs Lions
- The Lions have only won one of the last nine matches against the Stormers.
- The Stormers lost their last home match against the Lions.
Latest results for both teams
The Stormers beat the Bulls 37-27 in their last match while the Lions lost 37-10 to the Sharks in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Stormers showed against the Bulls why they are the champions with a display not often seen by a South African team. Some of the tries scored were breath taking as they attacked from deep in their own 22m. It is high risk rugby but when it comes off then it is almost unstoppable as the Bulls found out. The Lions will need to be accurate especially with their kicking game as any wayward kicking will see them punished. The man that leads the attack of the Stormers is Mannie Libbok and if he is allowed time and space on the ball then the Lions will be in for a long afternoon. I am backing the Stormers to win this match by more than 18 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Stormers
15 Damian Willemse, 14 Angelo Davids, 13 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Paul de Wet, 8 Hacjivah Dayimani, 7 Willie Engelbrecht, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Ben-Jason Dixon, 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Steven Kitshoff (c)
Lions
15 Quan Horn, 14 Rabz Maxwane, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Marius Louw (c), 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Sanele Nohamba, 8 Emmanuel Tshituka, 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Jarod Cairns, 5 Pieter Jansen van Vuren, 4 Willem Alberts, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 PJ Botha, 1 JP Smith.
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Lions victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.10
Playabets 1.10
Sunbet 1.09
Odds comparison on the Stormers handicap:
The complete odds on the Stormers handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-14.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-14.5) 1.89
Playabets (-14.5) 1.84
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor returns on the Stormers outright win but if you looking for better odds then we suggest the home side on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-14.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-14.5) 1.89 and Playabets (-14.5) 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.
