Bulls vs Lions: Turning predictions on their heads when the losers are the favourites

Who would have thought, seriously, that the Lions would be enjoying a 100% record while the Bulls would be two losses from two outings in the 2014 Super Rugby competition, especially so considering the fact that the Bulls won the South African Conference in 2013 and the Lions had to play a promotion/relegation match to play in the competition this year?

By Michael Marnewick

Bulls vs Lions - who will win?
Bulls vs Lions – who will win?

Lions coach Johan Ackermann has come out in support of his opposition, calling them favourites for tomorrow’s Loftus clash between the two sides. Considering log positions, the Lions on eight points and the Bulls on one, and the carrot that dangles ahead of the Lions – finishing top of the log should they win (the Sharks have a bye and this year no points are allocated to teams on their enforced break).

Suggesting that playing at home and featuring 10 Springboks, the Bulls simply had to be favourites, but given the performances in their first two outings, could Ackermann just be blowing a bit of hot air up the Bulls behinds?

The Lions are a confident group and they possess what the Bulls currently don’t – a flyhalf who is kicking everything over. Louis Fouche has paid for his indifferent kicking form (and the Bulls place GREAT emphasis on pin-point kicking accuracy from their flyhalves) by being dropped altogether. His place in the starting line-up is taken by Jacques-Louis Potgieter who has travelled far and wide.

The Lions will know that they have a big job ahead of them, but they proved in two matches against strong, forward-oriented sides like the Cheetahs and Stormers that they have the tactical and attacking prowess to win.

It was close in the season-opener against the Cheetahs, but they really cut loose against the Stormers last weekend, a side renowned for their defence. This is a game the Lions really can win, if they continue to believe in themselves.

Mix that confidence up with accuracy and speed on attack, together with Marnitz Boschoff kicking every penalty and adding drop-goals whenever the opportunity presents itself, and the Lions have the ingredients for success.

Their self-belief must trump that of the home team who will be going through a mini crisis of confidence at the moment, having a poor run of form. Add that to the loss of their captain for the season and a new flyhalf and questions will be asked of their composure under pressure and ability to return to winning games.

This match has so much more riding on it than simply an outcome. It will provide meaning to many questions being asked of both sides.

Can the Bulls turn their season around? Are they still the force they once were? Will lack of experience prove too much? Can Victor Matfield’s return add value?

And can the Lions keep it up? It’s early days yet but once injuries and fatigue set in, will they have the depth to maintain their current form? They seem to have a winning game-plan and the players are executing it. For that, the coach must be smiling.

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