Connacht vs Bulls Preview & Tips - Bulls to struggle in Ireland again

Connacht have never previously played the Bulls.

Connacht had a reasonably successful campaign last season, finishing second behind Munster in Conference B of the United Rugby Championship. They won eight of their 16 matches which was enough to secure a playoff birth.

Since then Connacht have remained reasonably consistent, sixth in the Rainbow Cup with three wins from their five matches. They were just one point off fourth place.

On the opening weekend of this season Connacht went down 33-21 to a spirited Cardiff Blues outfit. It was a credible by Connacht but they will be much better on home soil.

Connacht have made three changes from last weekend. Jordan Duggan, Dave Heffernan and Papali’i all come into the starting lineup.

The Bulls have dominated South African rugby since Jake White took over the coaching reigns. They have built a strong squad that has won two successive Currie Cup titles and reached the final of the Rainbow Cup.

But, like the other South African sides, the Bulls are missing a number of international players at the moment. Regardless of their depth, that amount of quality will not go unnoticed.

It was clear to see in their URC opener on Saturday as Leinster crushed the Bulls 31-3. It was the worst possible way for the Bulls to start considering Leinster is among the best sides in Europe.

Jake White has made a few changes to the starting XI. There is a new-look front-row with Lizo Gqoboka, Joe van Zyl and Jacques van Rooyen all coming into the side.

Former Springbok wing, Ruan Combrinck starts at fullback while Stravino Jacobs will play on the wing.