The highly anticipated Vodacom Bulls vs Emirates Lions URC match on November 29 2025 at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria promises a thrilling South African derby in the United Rugby Championship. As a key fixture in round 6 of the 2025/26 season, this encounter highlights the intensity of URC rugby, with both teams vying for crucial points in the standings. Fans often focus on betting options like spreads, try scorers, and total points, given the high-scoring potential of these clashes.
Match Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | November 29, 2025 |
| Kick-off Time | Approximately 15:00 SAST (local Pretoria time; 13:00 UTC) |
| Venue | Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, South Africa |
| Competition | United Rugby Championship (URC) 2025/26, Round 6 |
| Broadcast | Available on Sky Sports, SuperSport, and streaming platforms like FloRugby in select regions |
| Weather Forecast | Expected clear conditions with temperatures around 25-28°C, minimal wind – ideal for open rugby |
This URC South African derby at Loftus Versfeld is expected to draw a capacity crowd, emphasizing the rivalry between these Johannesburg-based rivals.
Current URC Standings (as of Early November 2025, Post-Round 5)
Based on the latest league table after round 5, the Vodacom Bulls are positioned strongly near the top, showcasing their attacking prowess, while the Emirates Lions sit lower, struggling with consistency.
| Position | Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Points For | Points Against | Bonus Points | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DHL Stormers | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | – | – | – | 23 |
| 2 | Munster Rugby | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | – | – | – | 23 |
| 3 | Glasgow Warriors | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | – | – | – | 20 |
| 4 | Cardiff Rugby | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | – | – | – | 20 |
| 5 | Vodacom Bulls (approx.) | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 92+ (top attack) | – | – | 18-20 (estimated based on form) |
| … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … |
| 11-13 | Emirates Lions (approx.) | 5 | 1-2 | 0 | 3-4 | – | – | – | 5-10 (based on prior season 11th finish and recent results) |
| Note: Exact points for Bulls and Lions are inferred from recent form and early-season reports; Bulls lead in points scored league-wide. |
Recent Form Analysis
Vodacom Bulls Recent Form in URC 2025/26
The Bulls have started strongly, building on their semi-final appearance in the previous season. Their attack has been dominant, scoring over 90 points in early rounds.
- Win vs Ospreys (Round 1: High-scoring home victory)
- Win vs Leinster (Impressive upset against champions)
- Win vs Ulster (Tour match, solid defense)
- Loss vs Glasgow Warriors (Narrow defeat away)
- Win vs Connacht (Recent tour success)
Key strengths: Best attack in URC (92+ points scored), home advantage at Loftus Versfeld, integration of Springboks like Handre Pollard and Ruan Nortje.
Emirates Lions Recent Form in URC 2025/26
The Lions finished 11th last season with only five wins and are showing mixed results this year, with defensive issues and injuries hampering progress.
- Loss vs Ulster (Round 5: 49-31 away defeat)
- Win vs Benetton (Narrow home win)
- Loss vs Munster (Close 23-21 defeat)
- Win vs Ospreys (45-15 convincing victory)
- Loss vs Edinburgh (15-9 low-scoring struggle)
Key strengths: Strong set-piece (scrum and lineout), but vulnerabilities in defense and away games.
Head-to-Head Record
The Vodacom Bulls hold a strong edge in recent encounters, especially at home. In the last five URC/South African derbies:
| Date | Venue | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 2025 | Loftus Versfeld | Bulls win | High-scoring (e.g., similar to 2024 patterns) |
| January 2025 | Ellis Park | Lions win | 34-33 (narrow) |
| 2024 encounters | Various | Bulls 3 wins, Lions 1 win | Average score: Bulls 35-25 Lions |
| Overall H2H (last 10) | – | Bulls 7 wins, Lions 3 wins | – |
Bulls have won the last two home derbies convincingly, often exceeding 30 points.
Key Players and Injury Updates
Vodacom Bulls Key Players to Watch
- Handre Pollard (Flyhalf): Back from international duty, key for game management.
- Ruan Nortje (Lock/Captain): Leads the forward pack.
- Canan Moodie (Center): Explosive in attack.
Injuries: Kurt-Lee Arendse (hamstring – out), potential absences for Marcell Coetzee (HIA protocol) and others like Elrigh Louw (rehab). Squad depth covers most gaps.
Emirates Lions Key Players to Watch
- Sanele Nohamba (Scrumhalf/Flyhalf): Versatile playmaker.
- Edwill van der Merwe (Wing): Speed threat.
- Henco van Wyk (Center): Emerging talent.
Injuries: Up to 15-16 players out, including key props and backs (e.g., Chris Smith – flyhalf, ongoing rehab). Significant impact on squad rotation.
Betting Tips for Vodacom Bulls vs Emirates Lions URC Match November 29 2025
Popular among rugby fans, bets on spreads, tries, and totals are common for this derby. Current odds (as of early November 2025):
| Bet Type | Prediction | Odds Example | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match Winner | Bulls to win | Bulls 4/9 (1.44) | Home form, superior attack, Lions’ injury woes |
| Spread (Handicap) | Bulls -10.5 | -10.5 at evens | Bulls average 10+ point margins in home derbies |
| Total Points (Over/Under) | Over 55.5 | Over at 1.90 | High-intensity games often exceed 50 points; Bulls’ scoring rate |
| Total Tries | Over 7.5 | Over at 1.85 | Both teams try-heavy; past H2H averages 6-8 tries |
| First Try Scorer | Canan Moodie (Bulls) | 10/1 | Explosive backline player in form |
These tips focus on data-driven insights for spreads, tries, and total score in the URC South African derby.
Final Prediction: Bulls vs Lions Rugby Match Forecast Loftus Versfeld
In this URC prediction for November 29 2025, the Vodacom Bulls are favored to secure a convincing victory, leveraging their home advantage, superior form, and depth despite minor injuries. Expect a high-intensity game with the Bulls dominating possession and scoring multiple tries. Predicted score: Vodacom Bulls 38-24 Emirates Lions.
This forecast accounts for current standings, recent performances, and historical data, making it a reliable guide for fans and bettors interested in URC match forecasts in Pretoria.