Rugby
Rugby
Match Preview
Gambling
News

Lions vs Stormers Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction

SportsBoom has a look at the enticing encounter between the Lions and the Stormers at Emirates Airline Park on Saturday, 28 February 2026. Read our analysis of the latest instalment of local action in the URC, and when two competitive South African franchises meet, expect fireworks. With the business-end of the URC now squarely in sight, it’s all to play for. Neither side can afford to drop valuable points, and given that the visitors have dominated this engagement, expect an inspired showing from the hosts in front of their home fans. For rugby fans and betting enthusiasts alike, be sure to consult all of the options available to you before placing your online rugby bets with reputable betting sites.

Ryan Liberty
Ryan Liberty

Last updated: 2026-02-17

Chad Nagel

5 minutes read

SportsBoom offers honest and impartial bookmaker reviews to help you make informed choices. While we may earn commissions through affiliate links, our content remains independent and free from promotional influence. For more information, see our Content Transparency and How We Review pages.

Add as a preferred source on Google
Stefan Ungerer of the Stormers during the Investec Champions Cup

Stefan Ungerer of the Stormers during the Investec Champions Cup / Getty Images

Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability:

  1. Lions: 6/4 (2.50) – 40%

  2. Stormers: 8/11 (1.73) – 57.8%
    Odds courtesy of Betway 

Head-to-Head Record

  1. 20/12/2025: Stormers 34-27 Lions 

  2. 15/02/2025: Lions 30-23 Stormers

  3. 21/12/2024: Stormers 29-10 Lions

  4. 01/06/2024: Stormers 29-24 Lions 

  5. 21/10/2023: Lions 33-35 Stormers

Lions Current Form – WWDDL

While it cannot be denied that the Lions have been incredibly inconsistent throughout this season, they remain a dangerous side at home. One you simply cannot leave out or overlook. The fluency with which they attack opponents will always present scoring opportunities, and their recent performances against European opposition will likely give them a degree of confidence here. 

Expect them to play with tempo and keep the ball in play. It's an approach that lends itself to the conditions of the Highveld, and visiting opposition will likely find it difficult to contend with it. 
Discipline remains a concern, and they will know that if they want to compete with the Stormers here, a commitment to maintaining their discipline is simply imperative.  

Key Players to Watch

  • Francke Horn 
    His leadership on the field is matched only by his ability to effectively benefit his side at the breakdown. A king at slowing the game down when he needs to, he adds to the physicality of the game with his forward carries and aggressive approach. Keep an eye on him here. 
  • Morne van Den Berg
    He remains a livewire at scrumhalf, dictating the pace of the game and managing his side’s attacking ability through smart kicks and intelligent play. He is certainly one to keep an eye on here.  
  • Henco van Wyk 
    The young Lions centre has quickly become a mature and respected member of the team. His physical presence is undeniable, and his ability to break the line and progress his side forward will likely ask all the right questions of this Stormers side. 

Lions Team News

At the time of writing, the Lions are expected to be able to field a fully fit side for this URC clash. 

Stormers Current Form – WLWLL

The Stormers arrive in Johannesburg with a mixed bag of form in recent weeks. They will likely take comfort in the fact that their URC season is still somewhat completely in their own hands, but given how inconsistent their defensive system has been this season, there is also enough to be concerned about. 

They will always be a side that happily marry structured phase play with an explosive counter-attacking ability. They have exciting and dangerous players in their backline, but the physicality of this side cannot be underestimated either. 

Key Players to Watch

  • Evan Roos 
    He is a dynamic number eight, one who looks to make bold carries with the ball and a player who happily thrives under pressure. He will no doubt have a role to play here, and so it might be well worth keeping an eye on him.
  • Damian Willemse 
    He is arguably one of the most underrated players in this Stormers side. He is physical and commanding, and yet simultaneously he is quick and elusive with the ball in his hands. His creativity and personality come through in almost every game he is involved in, and this shouldn’t be any different. 
  • Sach Feinberg-Mngomezulu
    He is a player at the heart of this Stormers attack. His game is incredibly versatile and almost without fault. Expect another brave showing of creativity and flair from a young player who is simply something special on a rugby field. 

Stormers Team News

They have a fully fit squad, and without any need for rotation, expect a strong XV to be named here.

Suggested Bets

For punters looking to have a bet on the rugby or add to their weekend multiple, here are our suggested bets ahead of this encounter. 

  1. Stormers to Win: They have the greater depth, and when you consider their recent form, they are worthy favourites. (4/6 with Betway).

  2. Under 50.5 Points: South African derbies are often physical and tight; this is now compounded by the fact that it’s the first game after a break. (10/11 with Hollywoodbets).

Value Bets

  1. First Try – Lions: Expect the Gauteng side to get off to a fast start at altitude and take advantage of the generous price available. (4/1 with Supabets).

  2. Winning Margin 1-7 Points (Stormers): Have a punt at this offer, given how closely contested it is likely to be. (3/1 with 10Bet). 

Prediction: Stormers to Win

We are leaning toward the Stormers to claim a win here, but expect the encounter to be incredibly close. The men from the Western Province have played like a team with a new lease on life. They are the complete team, with forwards who provide adequate launch platforms and an attacking threat in the back, which will ask questions of the very best in world rugby. 
You must consider the altitude and the fact that this is a local derby, but the Stormers come away with the win here.

Ryan Liberty
Ryan LibertyBetting Writer

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.