The Bulls will look to build some momentum when they play their second home game in a row against a Highlanders side who must start winning. Join The Roar for live scores from 1:15am (AEST).
The Pretorian-based team have been inconsistent throughout the season so far, but strong at home nonetheless.
If they can continue holding down their home ground at Loftus Versfeld, where they have won three of their four matches, they will go close to making the finals. It’s losses on the road (three of four) where they have struggled and hence, their form looks inconsistent.
The Bulls have won two of their last three though, and while the 30-point road loss to the Sharks in between wasn’t much fun, convincing wins over the Stormers and Rebels leave should leave them confident about their chances against the ‘Landers.
Last week’s 18-point victory was solid without being spectacular, but then, that line could be used to describe their entire season. Their wins haven’t been flashy and their defence has been inconsistently poor, which has let them down big time.
The Highlanders have been better than the Bulls, winning five of their seven games across the season to date, but they are going to need the cards to fall right for them to make the finals.
The New Zealand conference is so strong, many of the wildcard sports are likely to fall there. A win in Pretoria would allow them to jump the Chiefs, but still leave them behind the Crusaders and Hurricanes, who are storming away with the top two spots.
The ‘Landers have won two straight coming into this match, beating the Blues and Brumbies convincingly in their last two games. This match does mark their first trip to South Africa this year though and with the Sharks next week, they must build some momentum with a win here.
Prediction
The Bulls are a strong enough side at home, but the Highlanders need to get on a charge to the finals and a hint of desperation might see them over the line at the end of this one.
Highlanders by 3.
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