The Lions have not beaten the Bulls in Super Rugby since February 2005 which was before the Super 14 and took place way back in the Super 12 Rugby tournament. That means that the Lions are on a seven match losing streak against the three time champion Bulls, writes rugbyxv.co.za
Historically the Lions have played the Bulls 15 times and won 5 times. The average score when the two teams play each other is Lions 26 and the Bulls 31.
In Johannesburg the Lions on average score 23 points and the Bulls score 24 points.
At home in Johannesburg the Lions have lost the last three matches against the Bulls. After winning their first game of the season, against the Cheetahs in the first round, the Lions have now lost five in succession and they are placed last in the standings.
The Bulls will go into the match on the back of a 32-30 victory against the Crusaders while the Lions will start the match looking to recover from a 26-5 loss to the Cheetahs.
The Bookies have given the Lions a 10 point start for this match. It's nearly impossible to imagine the Lions winning this one. The Bulls will know exactly what they need to finish at the top of the standings and should win this one with ease. Bulls to win by 14 or more.
Average score: Lions 26 Bulls 31
Last five results
26 Mar 2011 Lions v Bulls 23-30 Pretoria
19 Feb 2011 Lions v Bulls 20-24 Johannesburg
24 Apr 2010 Lions v Bulls 11-51 Pretoria
28 Feb 2009 Lions v Bulls 9-16 Johannesburg
07 Mar 2008 Lions v Bulls 17-31 Pretoria
Referee: Garratt Williamson
Assistant Ref 1: Keith Brown
Assistant Ref 2: Christie Du Preez
TMO: Johann Meuwesen
Teams
Lions: Andries Coetzee, Deon van Rensburg, Jaco Taute, Alwyn Hollenbach, James Kamana, Elton Jantjies, Tian Meyer, Joshua Strauss (capt.), Derick Minnie, Cobus Grobbelaar, Franco van der Merwe, Stephan Greeff, Patric Cilliers, Callie Visagie, Caylib Oosthuizen.
Replacements: Martin Bezuidenhout, CJ van der Linde, Marius Coetzer, Doppies le Roux, Ross Cronje, Butch James, Lionel Mapoe
Vodacom Bulls: Zane Kirchner , Akona Ndungane , JJ Engelbrecht, Wynand Olivier, Bjorn Basson , Morne Steyn, Francois Hougaard , Pierre Spies (c), Jacques Potgieter, CJ Stander , Wilhelm Steenkamp , Juandre Kruger Werner Kruger , Chiliboy Ralepelle , Dean Greyling.
Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Frik Kirsten , Dewald Potgieter , Arno Botha , Jano Vermaak , Louis Fouche , Johann Sadie
