Lions vs Bulls Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Lions vs Bulls Date: Saturday, January 25
BetXchange Lions vs Bulls Odds:
History
The Bulls and Lions face off on Saturday at Ellis Park in Round 10 of the 2024-25 URC season.
It is an important match as we enter the campaign’s second half. Both teams are looking to climb the log and secure a playoff spot.
The Bulls have had the better start. Saturay’s visitors sit fourth on the log with 25 points, thanks to five wins and two defeats from their seven games. It is worth noting that the Bulls have played two matches less than most teams. Wins in those two matches would put them second behind only runaway leaders Leinster.
The Lons have also played seven games. They sit in 12th place, with 19 points from four wins and three losses. The Lions may be eight places behind the Bulls, but a bonus point win would put them just one point behind their countrymen. That is how tight the middle of the table is, with every team from Cardiff in third to Ospreys in 14th having won three to five matches.
Lions
The Lions secured their spot in the Challenge Cup round of 16 at the weekend. They obliterated the Dragons at home by 50 points in a 60-10 rout. It was a big win for the hosts and a needed one, with the victory snapping a poor run of results.
Returning to basics was the biggest takeaway from the Lions’ win over the Welsh team in Europe. Playing to strengths is a simple concept, but it is one that teams sometimes move away from. Expect them to return to being a free-lowing force here in the Jukskei derby.
Bulls
The Bulls also put on a big performance at the weekend. They also secured passage to the Round of 16 in the Challenge Cup with a big home win over Stade Francais. Their 48-7 win also ended a streak of below-par results, with their fifth-place finish in Pool 3 of the Champions Cup seeing them slip into the lower-ranked competition.
Expect the Bulls to be more measured in their approach than the Lions. They have a bigger pack, with more damage to bring from the bench than their opponents. It will make for an interesting clash of styles, with the hosts trying to keep the tempo high and the visitors wanting to use their big forward runners to suck in the Lions defense before striking with their backs.
Best Bets
Recent results suggest that the Bulls will win this game. The visitors have won four of their last five matches against the Lions, which is why they are 4.5-point favorites away from home.
A derby game is always more personal, especially when you are playing in front of your home fans. I expect this to motivate the Lins, but I still don’t see them having enough to take out a focused and powerful Bulls squad.
Take the visitors here plus the points; they will win by more than a converted try.
