Rugby
Bulls vs Leinster Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Venue: Loftus Kickoff Time: 15:00 (UK Time) SportsBoom previews the United Rugby Championship encounter between the Bulls and Leinster in Pretoria on Saturday, 22 March. It is 1st against 3rd so the intensity and excitement will continue to build ahead of the clash at Loftus. For rugby fans wanting to take a few bets on the game, check out rugby betting sites for the latest United Rugby Championship betting offers and online rugby betting options.
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Leinster v Cardiff Rugby - United Rugby Championship//Getty Images
Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability
Online betting sites have given plenty of value for the South African side to come away with something at home, take advantage early!
- Bulls: 5/6 (1.83) – 54.6%
- Leinster: 11/10 (2.10) – 47.6%
Head-To-Head Record
Last three meetings
15/06/2024: Bulls 25–20 Leinster
29/03/2024: Leinster 47-14 Bulls
22/04/2023: Bulls 62–7 Leinster
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Bulls Current Form – LWLWW
The Bulls have only managed one win from their last three home fixtures, so they will be eager to give their home fans something to cheer about. They haven’t played in the URC since the first weekend of March, but Jake White will know they face a formidable opponent in Leinster here.
The Bulls are only three points off second place and have had to contend with a few injuries this year – but there is no denying they boast a competitive squad. Their last win came against the Lions in February, a game where their defensive ability was absolutely impeccable. The Loftus faithful will be hopeful of a repeat of that effort here.
Key Players to Watch
- Ruan Nortje: An important figure in the Bulls’ forward pack, Nortje’s leadership and physicality has paid dividends for the Bulls this season. He is a consistent addition to their lineout stability and in a game like this, his experience will surely be called upon for the entire 80 minutes.
- Mpilo Gumede: A South African player known for his imposing presence on a rugby field, Gumede’s agility and work rate are often lauded over by Jake White and have seen him prove indispensable for the Bulls. A defensively sound player who doesn’t allow his opponents to get into any sort of rhythm, he is another player who will need to have a stellar performance on Saturday.
- Embrose Papier : His quick decision-making and ability to distribute the ball with quality all over the pitch make him vital to this Bulls setup. He keeps the tempo of the game at an all-time high and compliments this brand of rugby with the ability to snipe into space and put pressure on defensive lines. Keep an eye on him here.
Leinster Current Form – WWWWW
The hosts have pretty much reached an unassailable lead at the summit of the United Rugby Championship table. You would assume the hosts will welcome back their Irish players after their commitments with the national team in the Six Nations, but even without them, they are a really strong team.
They are unbeaten in the competition and will no doubt want to maintain this standard ahead of their trip to South Africa. The attacking ability of this Leinster side is simply incredible, they have scored a mammoth 163 points from their last five outings and conceded just 90. The balance in this side has seen them position themselves to finally lift the coveted prize once again.
Key Players to Watch
- Ross Byrne: Whether or not these players maintain their place in the Leinster team after the return of the internationals remains to be seen. Nevertheless, Byrne has played a critical role for Leinster in the number 10 role. His tactical kicking and level decision-making makes him a key element of their attacking ability.
- Andrew Osborne: A strong runner and a fearless defender, Osborne has proved vital in midfield for Leinster. He has shown an ability to control the game when they are in possession of the rugby ball as well as when they look to launch any sort of attack.
Defensively, Osborne has seemingly got a knack for not allowing opponents to get into a free-flowing rhythm – which inevitably makes scoring against Leinster a tough ask. - RG Snyman: A powerful and physical presence, Snyman in the second row for the Irish club is simply a formidable force. A total disruption at set piece time, combined with an ability to carry the ball, makes the Springbok international a key player for Leinster.
Suggested Bets
Our suggested bets for those who wants to bet on rugby are listed below.
Leinster (Win): They are a truly formidable opponent to play anywhere in the world. Their consistency and low error rate add to their indomitable nature. Back the away win here.
Over 45.5 Points: These two teams both pose a potent attacking ability. A high-scoring encounter will naturally ensue and so backing over 45.5 points here could be a great rugby betting option for the weekend.
Value Bets
For those punters looking for a bit more bang for their buck!
Leinster to Win by 7-15 Points: While we back the visiting side to come away with the victory here, we don’t think it will be a blowout. Back the Bulls to stay in the contest and keep the deficit respectable.
First Half Draw: A closely contested encounter usually gets off to a cagey start. Loftus is a hostile place to go and play rugby, which will only add to the interest and intrigue. As a value bet option, back the first half to end in a draw.
Prediction: Leinster to Win
Leinster are head and shoulders above the rest of the URC at the moment. The rugby they are playing make them an incredibly difficult team to break down and given the fact that they will no doubt be buoyed by the possible return of some of their internationals – we can’t see past a win for the Irish club side.
For those looking to add extra excitement to the action, there are plenty of betting sites with welcome bonus offers that make it even more enticing to back your favorite team
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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