Pumas vs Lions Predictions & Tips - Pumas set to give Lions a scare in Mbombela

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 17 Jun 2021

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Ralph Staniforth 17 Jun 2021

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Pumas vs Lions predictions for Friday’s Currie Cup opener
Fixture is being played at 19:00 SAST at the Mbombela Stadium
Lions have lost 5 of their last 6 games
I'm backing the Pumas to lose by less than 9 points
Betting tips, predictions and team news for Pumas vs Lions

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Pumas vs Lions Predictions

The Pumas tackle a struggling Lions side in Mbombela on Friday evening. My best bet is for the Pumas to lose by less than nine points, with a possible upset not out of the question.

Lions have won 5 of their last 6 matches against the Pumas.
Lions have lost 5 of their last 6 matches.
Pumas lost by 4 points in their last match against the Lions.

Head to Head

The Lions have won five of their last six matches against the Pumas.

In their last meeting, it was the Lions who triumphed 32-28 in the 2021 Franchise Cup.

Pumas Form

The Pumas have not played much rugby since the 2020 Currie Cup campaign. They were not part of the Rainbow Cup but have played a few friendlies and inter-squad matches to prepare.

Last year the Pumas finished second from bottom in the Currie Cup. They won two of their six matches with both wins coming against bottom side, Griquas.

The Pumas will fancy their chances of causing an upset this season. Most of the provincial teams are severely weakened because the international players are unavailable for selection.

Pumas Injuries & Team News

The Pumas have no injury concerns and should be at full strength.

Lions Form

The Lions finished bottom of the table in the recently completed Rainbow Cup with just one win from their six matches. They will take some confidence from the fact that they were competitive in all their games with their one win coming against the Bulls.

With three matches to play the Lions still had an outside chance of qualifying for the final. After a heartbreaking 39-37 home loss to the Stormers, the Lions upset the Bulls 34-33 to the following week.

Their last match ended in a 33-21 loss to the Sharks at home. The Lions final match was called off after some players tested positive for COVID-19.

Lions Injuries & Team News

There are a number of players who will undergo last minute COVID-19 tests. Should they all be fit to play the Lions will be at full strength.

Pumas vs Lions Live Stream FAQ

Where can I watch the Pumas vs Lions live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the Pumas vs Lions live stream.

Verdict

Pumas v Lions

The Pumas are backed to take advantage of a Lions outfit struggling to find form. I'm tipping the Pumas to win or lose by nine points or less in Mbombela on Friday evening.

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