Zebre vs Lions Preview & Tips - Hosts set for victory

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 23 Sep 2021

Ralph Staniforth 23 Sep 2021

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Zebre vs Lions predictions for Friday’s United Rugby Championship fixture
Match is being played at 16:35 BST at the Sergio Lanfranchi Stadium
This will be the Lions first ever competitive match in Europe
Preview, tips, stats & team news

Expired

Zebre can win the opening United Rugby Championship match (Getty Images)

Zebre vs Lions Preview & Tips

This is a battle between two struggling teams. Neither side comes into this match with any form, but home ground advantage and experience in European conditions should give Zebre the edge.

Zebre vs Lions Predictions
Head to Head
Zebre Form
Zebre Injuries & Team News
Lions Form
Lions Injuries & Team News
Zebre vs Lions Live Stream FAQ

Zebre lost 12 of their 16 Pro14 matches last season
Lions have never played a competitive match in Europe.
Lions finished bottom of the Currie Cup table.

Head to Head

Zebre and the Lions have never previously met.

Zebre Form

In the 2020/21 season of the Pro14, Zebre finished bottom of the table with four wins from their 16 matches. While the competition has changed this season, the same sides remain with the addition of four South African franchises.

Since the conclusion of the Pro14, Zebre have played in the Rainbow Cup. This didn’t go well either as they lost their last five matches.

After a narrow 34-27 defeat to local rivals Benetton, Zebre lost 37-12 at Cardiff Blues before going down 54-11 at home to Munster in their last match.

Zebre Team News

Zebre are close to full strength with captain Giulio Bisengni starting at outside centre. They have selected two vice captains in the form of Tommaso Boni and David Sisi.

Two young forwards will make their debut off the bench in Ion Neculai and Andrea Zambonin.

Lions Form

The Lions finished bottom of the recently completely Currie Cup. They only managed two victories in their 12 matches, although two were cancelled due to COVID-19.

Over the course of their final three matches, the Lions lost 48-21 at home to the Bulls, 35-13 at Western Province and 56-14 at home to the Sharks.

This is the Lions first foray into European rugby as they leave behind the old Super Rugby competition, just like the other three South African sides.

Lions Team News

Ivan van Rooyen has named a full strength lineup for this clash. Players to watch include outside centre, Wandisile Simelane, flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse and flanker Jaco Kriel.

A player European sides will be familiar with is winger Rabz Maxwane. A couple of seasons ago he was the Pro14 top try scorer when he turned out for the Free State Cheetahs.

Zebre vs Lions FAQ

Where can I watch Zebre vs Lions live stream?

Check our live streaming calendar to see where to watch Zebre vs Lions live stream.

Verdict

Zebre v Lions

In a match between two sides who are on big losing streaks, I am backing Zebre to cover the -2 handicap on home soil.

Zebre -2 Handicap

Handicap

@2,00 - 3 Units

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Ralph is from South Africa and studied Sports Science post school at ETA (Education Teachers Academy) in Cape Town.

He has always had a great passion for sport and this led him into the world of sports journalism, while coaching on the side. Since 2012 Ralph has worked as a journalist and covered many topics from business to sport.

Over the last seven years he has interviewed numerous top rugby and cricket players and coaches in South Africa.

Ralph has been betting on sports for the last ten years. He’s knowledgeable on numerous topics including football, rugby, cricket, tennis and golf.

He supports Manchester United (football), Cheetahs (rugby), Knights (cricket) and has a newly found appreciation for Dominic Thiem on the tennis courts.