Super Rugby Round 16: Bulls v Kings

With the Kings all but confirmed as gone from next year they will play their second last game of Super Rugby ever when they meet the Bulls in Pretoria

Selection News

The Kings have the luxury of naming a side with just the one change. Second row Willhelm Van der Sluys has been ruled out with concussion and will be replaced by Lubabalo Mtyanda.

The Bulls management team have been made two changes with former Springbok under 20s sensation Travis Ismaeil returning from injury for his first game since March. The other change sees Tian Schoeman promoted off the bench in place of injured flyhalf Tony Jantijies.

Last time they met

10/4/16 – Bulls 38 – 6 Kings

Stat that matters

The Bulls have lost their past 3 games at home. Their longest run in almost 15 years.

Key Match-up

Berton Klaasan vs Jesse Kriel – 23 year old Jesse Kriel looked like he had rediscovered his mojo in the Spring Boks June test series against France. The centre looked quick and his agility is something to behold. Berton Klaasen will be playing for his future as he searches for a contract to remain a professional rugby player in South Africa next season.

The form

The Kings have had a surprisingly good season and have won 4 of their last 6 games. To put that into perspective, only 1 Australian side – The Brumbies,  has won more than 4 games this entire season. They will certainly have the belief that they can knock over the Bulls in front of their home crowd. The Bulls have been underwhelming in 2017 with a record of just 4 – 9 for the year and have won just 1 of their last 5 games.

How it’s shaping

Whilst the Wolf expects the Bulls to be too strong at altitude at Loftus Versfeld, write off the Kings at your own peril. They have knocked over more fancied teams more than once this season and certainly have the roster to do it again on Sunday morning (AEST).

Final thoughts

Bulls by 6

Recommended bets

Best bet: Kings +10.5 ($1.90)
Value bet: Kings/Bulls ($6.50)