Rugby
URC: Bulls vs Lions Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Date: Saturday, 22 February, 2025 Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium Kickoff Time: 14:00 (SAST) The Bulls, as their name suggests, are a physical and determined team, and so too are the Lions. Who will be the king of the rugby jungle in this highly anticipated match? Be sure to read SportsBoom’s in-depth preview for betting tips with leading rugby betting sites before wagering on the URC. With such a crucial clash ahead, fans looking to get involved can explore sports betting online sites to check the latest odds and different markets for this showdown.
Emirates Lions v Glasgow Warriors United Rugby Championship//Getty Images
The Bulls currently sit in third place on the URC table with 35 points from ten matches played, registering seven wins while succumbing to three defeats. Meanwhile, the Lions occupy 12th position with 23 points from nine games played with five victories and four losses. The Johannesburg-based team have two games in hand, making this a crucial opportunity to secure a win and capitalise on their advantage.
The Pretoria-based team, on the other hand, have won four of their last five matches against the Lions, which includes three wins in a row. The most recent match between the two teams ended in a 35-22 victory for the Bulls. The Bulls outscored the Lions by four tries to two during this match which took place on the 25th of January 2025.
PRE-GAME ODDS AND WIN PROBABILITY
LIONS FAVOURITES
Bulls: 4/9 (1.44) – 69.23%
Lions: 7/4 (2.75) – 36.36%
Draw: 22/1 (23.00) – 4.35%
Forecast Odds – Betting available on Betway closer to event
HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD
Last Five Matches (URC)
25/01/25: Lions 22-35 Bulls
17/02/24: Lions 10-25 Bulls
27/01/24: Bulls 30-28 Lions
04/03/23: Bulls 25-29 Lions
17/09/22: Lions 15-31 Bulls
BULLS: CURRENT FORM - LWWWL
The Bulls have won three of their last five matches played. However, they will be hurt and doing much reflection on how to improve their game after losing 29-19 to the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld on the 15th of February. Bulls coach Jake White will be giving clear instructions, as well as some harsh words after the recent loss, and demand a much-improved performance. The Bulls know how to win ugly and if they get the win by one point, with a kick at the poles at the end of the match, they will not mind.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
- Johann Grobbelaar: The Springbok hooker scored two tries against the Sharks. He is a physical and skilful player and will be looking to contribute with another big performance in this game against the Lions.
- Willie le Roux: The Springbok fullback continues to show his value to the Bulls with consistent performances that underline his experience. Willie le Roux likes to attack the gain line, and he is a capable try scorer.
- Canan Moodie: The dynamic winger excels at shutting down opponents and handling high balls. A natural-born athlete, Canan Moodie has showcased his talent by scoring four tries for his team this season.
LIONS: CURRENT FORM - WLWLL
The Lions are definitely on the rise. They have won two of their last five matches played. However, they are ticking plenty of boxes this season. The Johannesburg-based side finally got a win against the Stormers with a comprehensive 30-23 victory on the 15th of February. They lost 35-22 to the Bulls on the 25th of January, though they smashed the Dragons 60-10 on the 18th of January.
We all remember the Johan Ackermann era when the Lions reached three consecutive Super Rugby finals, with a sold-out Ellis Park becoming the norm. The Johannesburg-based team consistently produces a steady stream of talent rising through the ranks each season. The Lions often lose their best players to international teams and other South African franchises who can afford to pay them more. However, they still have so much depth that even with these losses, they still punch above their weight. The Lions are on track to make the URC playoffs this season and they need to beat the Bulls to continue with their good momentum.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
- Henco van Wyk: The outside centre scored a try against the Stormers last weekend. He has also scored three tries throughout the URC season. Henco van Wyk is a strong ball carrier and a skillful player.
- Francke Horn: The Lions' number eight has scored two tries throughout the season. He has also beaten 11 defenders and gained 205 meters with the ball in hand.
- JC Pretorius: The Lions flanker is growing in stature. He has made 35 carries and beaten six defenders throughout the season. A game against the Bulls will require him to be at his very best at the breakdown.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS
Bulls: 15 Devon Williams, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 David Kriel, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Sergeal Petersen, 10 Willie le Roux, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Reinhardt Ludwig, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Johann Grobbelaar, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels.
Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Richard Kriel, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Gianni Lombard, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Ruan Venter, 6 JC Pretorius, 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Juan Schoeman.
SUGGESTED BETS
Lions to Win by 1-12: The Lions have a new breed of cubs coming through their ranks and are making a good step into powering the next generation of stars. We fancy the Lions to win this match by 1-12 points.
Race To 10 Points - Lions: We predict that the Lions will look to be fast out of the blocks in this match. The Lions to be first to ten points would not be way off the pace in this match.
VALUE BETS
Quan Horn - Anytime Try Scorer: He is the form South African fullback in the URC. Quan Horn ran through the Stormers' defence every time he touched the ball last week. He has scored two tries throughout the season and based on what we saw in the last game, we predict that he will score a try against the Bulls.
Marco van Staden - Anytime Try Scorer: It’s lights out for opponents when Eskom has the ball in hand. He is a skillful and physical flanker with pace to burn. We’re backing Marco van Staden to score a try in this game.
Marius Louw - Anytime Try Scorer: The Lions' inside centre scored a good try against the Stormers. Marius Louw has beaten more than six defenders throughout the season, and he’ll be looking to guide the Lions to a victory in this match against the Bulls.
PREDICTION: LIONS TO WIN
The Lions are currently the in-form South African team, showcasing the natural attacking style that brought them success during the Johan Ackermann era. The Bulls can beat the Lions on their day, but according to our evidence-based research, we strongly believe that the Lions will win this match.
Josh has over ten years of experience as a Sports Writer. Josh has created content for some of the biggest sports brands and publications in South Africa. Josh is a creative writer who puts you in the game with his unique content. Josh writes about Soccer, Rugby, Cricket, Basketball, Darts, Golf, and all major sports.
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