Bulls vs Cardiff Predictions - Bulls to bounce back with a win over Cardiff

Brad Newcomb

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Last updated: 1 hour ago

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Brad Newcomb 1 hour ago

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Bulls are on a winning streak against Cardiff.
Cardiff struggles with recent away games, losing 4 in a row.
Bulls are expected to cover a -20.5 handicap.

Bulls have never lost to Cardiff in the URC (Getty Images)

Bulls have lacked consistency in recent outings, but they have a superior record against Cardiff. Cardiff are on a losing streak away from home.

Bulls have won 4 of their last 5 fixtures in all competitions.
Bulls have lost 4 of their last 5 home games in all competitions.
Bulls defeated Cardiff by 24 points at home last season.
Cardiff have lost 4 consecutive away matches in all competitions.
Cardiff have lost 4 consecutive games against the Bulls.

Head to Head

Bulls have a commanding lead of four victories to none against Cardiff.

Bulls Form

The Bulls lacked discipline in their home defeat to the Stormers last weekend, losing 32-19 after trailing 10-7 at the break.

Before that, the Bulls have been in decent nick at home in the URC this season. They defeated the Ospreys 53-40, Leinster 39-31, and lost 43-33 to the Lions before beating the Sharks 41-12

The Bulls are 8th in the United Rugby Championship standings with 30 points from 12 matches.

The Bulls have been in solid form, but their home form has not been their best recently. However, they have defeated Cardiff four consecutive times in the competition.

Cardiff Form

Cardiff hosted Leinster in their final fixture before a pause in the URC, edging their opponents in a low-scoring affair at home 8-7.

Cardiff have had some success away from home in the league this season. They lost 23-20 to Munster, defeated the Dragons 24-17 and Zebre 29-14 before losing 33-22 to the Ospreys and 21-14 to Ulster.

Cardiff are 5th in the United Rugby Championship table with 40 points from 12 games.

Cardiff have had a solid season so far, but their away form has been lacking recently, with four consecutive losses, including a 24-point defeat to the Bulls last season.

Team News

Bulls

Springbok Ruan Nortje highlighted the need to counter Cardiff's kicking game and they must improve their success in lineouts: “We need to make sure we are sharper in that department. We know we can be much better than we were the previous week.

“The quality in our jumping, lifting and throwing was just not on par. Luckily, we have another opportunity this weekend to be much better than we were.”

Harold Vorster is unavailable for selection after he failed a concussion test against the Stormers.

Winger Sebastian de Klerk is out with a foot injury.

Cameron Hanekom could make his long-awaited return to the Bulls this weekend.

Cardiff

James Botham, Ben Thomas, Liam Belcher, Mason Grady, Keiron Assiratti and Sam Wainwright are all available for selection.

Alex Mann and Josh Adams have not travelled with the team to South Africa.