Bulls vs Pumas Predictions & Tips - Upset on the cards at Loftus

The Pumas got a morale boosting win last week so should be full of confidence. Contrary, the Bulls had to return from Italy with their tail between their legs. I am tipping the Pumas to cover the handicap in this one.

The Bulls lead the Pumas 7-4 over their last 11 matches. They last met in the 2020 Currie Cup where the Pumas won 46-12. On that day the Bulls rested their entire first choice side in order to be ready for the final the following week.

The Bulls have been the dominant force in South African rugby over the last year. In 2020 they won the Currie Cup and Super Rugby title. This year they topped the South African Rainbow Cup table.

Last week the Bulls had a double fixture on the same day. They played the final of the Rainbow Cup against Benetton in Italy, a match they lost 35-8. At the same time the Bulls got their Currie Cup campaign off to a losing start as they went down 48-24 at home to Western Province.

Not much can be read into the latter result considering the Bulls played with a number of amateur players. Their first team squad was in Italy.

The Bulls will make wholesale changes to the side that featured in the Currie Cup last weekend. Only Simphiwe Matanzima has been retained from the 23-man squad last weekend.

After finishing the 2020 Currie Cup season second from bottom, the Pumas will be keen on putting in a better showing in 2021. 

They got their campaign off to a cracking start with a surprise a 39-10 win over the Lions last week. With not much rugby prior to last weekend the Pumas were expected to be a bit undercooked.

The Nelspruit-based outfit dominated the clash and will want to take advantage of a Bulls outfit that has plenty of travel time behind them.

Pumas have no reported injuries. They could line up as they were last Friday.