Lions vs. Blue Bulls: Can Lions Get Back on Track?

With the United Rugby Championship gaining momentum in its 12th week, teams are making efforts to secure important match points and dominate their opponents. Be it Lions or Blue Bulls; every team is searching for the right combination for upcoming matches. Going into the match, both teams have lost their previous game and haven’t really been performing up to the expectations of their fans and followers. However, the upcoming game would be played in Ellis Park Stadium, favoring both the teams looking to dominate each other.

2016 was an incredible year for the Lions, in which they were totally unstoppable. During the 2016 season, the Lions defeated Highlanders and Crusaders to qualify for the final; however, in the final, they were defeated by Hurricanes with a margin of 20-3. Going in the match against Blue Bulls, the Lions haven’t done considerably well in the United Rugby Championship. Lions were defeated by Sharks in their last game, which was played on 22nd January 2022. Lions have registered victory against Stormers by defeating them with a margin of 37-19 in December 2021. In the game against Stormers in Cape Town, the entire support was for the home team, Lions, who didn’t leave any stone unturned to achieve a comprehensive victory. Lions are likely the favorites against Blue Bulls, who also haven’t been on their A-game. In the upcoming Canan Moodie, the vice-captain of Bulls under-20 is all set to debut and fill in the key position.

• E Merwe;
• S Sithole;
• P Vuuren;
• A Warner;
• W Simelane.

Blue Bulls have been on a song during 2006-2010 when they managed to win 3 titles out of 5 seasons. Going in 2022, Blue Bulls would be hoping to repeat the heroics and improve their consistency level. Blue Bulls have managed to win only 2 games of their last 6 games. Their recent defeat came against Stormers in the home game with a competitive margin of 26-30. On 19th January 2022, Blue Bulls defeated the underdogs, Western Prov, with a significant margin of 40-21. Blue Bulls had to face defeats from Sharks and Edinburgh, which completely seemed like a one-sided match.

• Grobbelaar;
• Tambwe;
• Louw;
• Smith;
• Steyn.

Comparing both teams’ overall performances and recent form, the Lions are likely to give a tough time to the Blue Bulls on the field. Blue Bulls are experimenting with many new players in their lineup, which is likely to disturb the overall team stability and impact individual performances. On the other hand, the Lions are expected to play with their regular lineup balancing experience and determination in play.