Rugby
Bulls vs Bristol Bears Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria Kickoff Time: 14:00 (CAT Time) We are slowly but surely heading toward the knockout stages of this season’s Investec Champions Cup, and so with every point becoming vital for teams looking for qualification, expect a thunderous exchange when the Bulls host the Bristol Bears. For rugby fans and punters alike, be sure to use leading and authorised South African platforms for all of your online rugby betting endeavours. It should be noted that while the hosts have been absolutely fantastic at home this season, they now face a Bristol side knowing that they cannot afford to drop any points here. It’s a game of attacking flair against defensive solidity – what more can you ask for as a rugby fan?
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La Rochelle's Australian lock Will Skelton / Getty Images
Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability
Bulls: 4/7 (1.57) – 63.7%
Bears: 13/5 (3.60) – 27.8%
Head-To-Head Record
Date Match Result
15/01/22 Bears vs Bulls 19-36
18/12/21 Bulls vs Bears 35-29
12/01/19 Bears vs Bulls 20-29
14/10/18 Bulls vs Bears 32-35
09/12/17 Bulls vs Bears 31-17
Bulls Current Form – LLLLL
Loftus could be an extremely tense environment when the Bears visit on Saturday, 10 January. The hosts have arguably played incredible rugby at times; however, their results just simply don’t show it.
They come into this game having lost all of their previous five encounters (in all competition), and whether or not this has adversely affected their confidence still remains to be seen.
Head coach Johan Ackerman has hinted at their camp becoming frustrated, but they cannot afford for that to happen when they face a Bears side knowing that only a win will suffice.
One area of positivity for the side from Pretoria has been their forwards and set pieces. They will need to find momentum in these areas and not allow the game to open up – especially since their British visitors thrive in open and broken play.
Key Players to Watch
- Marcel Coetzee
He has been a tireless captain; his work rate and defensive investment have been key points for any hope of success in this team.
He will likely be tasked with slowing the ball down when they are defending, so keep a keen eye on him here. - Johan Goosen
His game management, leadership ability, and experience will be vital for the Bulls here. Don’t be surprised to see the hosts rely heavily on his boot and kicking ability. - Canan Moodie
It is always difficult to leave him out of the conversation. He is amongst the most dangerous backline players in South African rugby and his combination of pace and power will certainly ask questions of any defensive system.
The hosts will know that he is their true constant threat of attacking brilliance and so expect to see him heavily involved in this encounter.
Bristol Bears Current Form – WWWWW
The Bears arrive in South Africa with incredible momentum and a true belief that they can come away with something from Loftus.
Their attacking potential is without question, but they will need to muscle up in defence and contain a Bulls side starving for a positive performance.
Throughout the season, the Bears have favoured a high-tempo and expansive approach to their game; their only concern has been how this approach leaves them somewhat vulnerable on defence.
Playing at altitude is a tough ask, especially after extensive travel – but with a chance of seeing yourself progress to the business end of the tournament, expect a strong showing from the visitors here.
Key Players to Watch
- Semi Radradra
The Fijian beast remains one of the biggest weapons Bristol has. His physicality is simply unmatched at times on the field, and given that he adds such momentum to their game, keep an eye on him here. - AJ MacGinty
His kicking accuracy and ability to turn opponents around phase after phase make him a key player for the Bears. His game management is often without question, and he will have to win the territory contest here for his side. - Harry Randall
He is a number nine with incredible pace and intensity at the breakdown. His sniping runs often come out of nowhere, but if he starts to dictate the pace of the game, Bristol will gain the upper hand early.
Suggested Bets
For punters wanting to bet on rugby games, here are our suggested bets
Bristol +12.5: Yes, Bristol must travel to Loftus and play in front of a raucous crowd – but their current form and ability suggest they can come away with something here. Back the visitors to stay within 12.5 at 1.90 with Betway.
Total Points (Over 47.5): The Bulls will
Know that they cannot afford to rest on their laurels here. Furthermore, the Bears are one of the most attacking sides in the competition at the moment. Points here could be the banker bet! 2.0 with Lulabet
Value Bet
Bristol Win: The hosts have struggled at times this season, and they don’t come into this contest with any real sort of confidence. Added to that, they will know they cannot afford to drop points here, and so the pressure at Loftus could become their undoing.
For the Bears, they will play with absolute freedom and attacking flair. A win here could be massive for them, and we think they could upset the odds and come away with a massive victory on enemy soil. 3.60 with Supabets
Prediction: Total Points (Over 47.5)
When you consider what is on the line here for both teams, an attacking game becomes the expectation.
Go a little further and consider that neither side can afford to drop points, and the more defensive side (The Bulls) has an even greater expectation to come away with something here. Backing the points market seems to be a banker.
A quirky writer with an engaging tone, Ryan Liberty has seen his work published on many of South Africa’s sport’s publications. Ryan has a great passion for everything in the sporting world, from darts to football, motorsport and everything in between. His conversational flair allows him to bring diverse sporting topics to both the avid sports fan as well as the relaxed reader.
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