Lions vs Bulls Predictions - Bulls to win away in a URC South African Jukskei derby

Ralph Staniforth

Editor

Last updated: 30 Jan 2026

Ralph Staniforth 30 Jan 2026

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Bulls favored due to head-to-head record and form.
Lions unbeaten in 4 of last 5 home matches.
Bulls expected to cover -5.5 handicap.

Expired

Bulls can bank another URC away win (Getty Images)

Lions vs Bulls Predictions

Bulls are favourites on the road, with an impressive head-to-head win record and recent improvement. My best bet is the Bulls to cover the -5.5 handicap.

Lions vs Bulls Predictions
Head to Head
Lions Form
Lions Injuries & Team News
Bulls Form
Bulls Injuries & Team News

Lions are unbeaten in 4 of their last 5 home matches.
Lions come into this match off the back of a 42-33 home win over Lyon.
Lions have lost 4 of their last 5 encounters against the Bulls.
Bulls have won 2 of their last 5 away matches.
Bulls come into this match off the back of a 19-17 win at Edinburgh.

Head to Head

Lions have lost four of their last five encounters against the Bulls.

Lions Form

Lions have been in good form at home so far this season, unbeaten in four of their last five home matches in all competitions. They come into this match on the back of a 43-33 home win against Lyon.

Their previous home results include wins against Ospreys (29-28), Scarlets (29-18), Ulster (49-31), and a loss against Benetton (26-18), capping off a decent run of form at home.

Lions are currently seventh in the United Rugby Championship, with 24 points after nine matches.

Lions Injuries & Team News

Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen stated that it will come down to which team executes their respective plans to the best of their ability.

The Lions will rely on Francke Horn's leadership and work rate to set the tone at home.

Bulls Form

Bulls are currently experiencing a mixed run of form on the road, having won two of their last five matches in all competitions. They come into this match on the back of a 19-17 win at Edinburgh.

Their previous away results include losses at Northampton (50-5), Sharks (21-12), Stormers (13-8), and a win at Pau (26-24).

The Bulls are a different team than they were two months ago, ending their seven-match losing streak with two important away wins. The Bulls have never lost to the Lions at Ellis Park in the URC.

The Bulls are currently ninth in the United Rugby Championship, with 20 points after nine matches.

Bulls Injuries & Team News

The Bulls hope to carry their momentum during the successful two-week tour of Europe into their massive derby against the Lions.

Bulls loose forward, and captain in their last two wins, "Marcel Coetzee says that the Bulls must stick to their DNA".

Outside backs Sebastian de Klerk and Cheswill Jooste will be unavailable for the Lions derby after suffering concussions against Edinburgh.

Verdict

Lions v Bulls

Bulls are backed to cover the -5.5 handicap against the Lions.

Bulls -5.5

Handicap

@1,91 - 4 Units

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Ralph Staniforth is a South African sports journalist, editor and betting writer who has worked in sports media since 2012.

With a background in Sports Science, he has covered a wide range of sports and interviewed leading players and coaches across South African rugby, cricket and football.

His sports betting work covers both South African and international markets, combining his knowledge of sport with extensive experience analysing fixtures, teams, form and betting markets.

Ralph specialises in football and rugby, while also covering cricket, tennis and golf. His work includes match previews, betting tips, betting guides and broader analysis of the sports betting industry.

You can find more from Ralph at Muckrack and LinkedIn.