Bulls v Northampton Saints: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Northampton got their European Champions Cup campaign off to a flying start against Castres and now make the long trip to South Africa to face the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday.

The Saints managed to cope with Storm Darragh last week to beat Castres 38-8 at Franklin’s Gardens but in truth, Northampton would have preferred to have been in less wet and in much warmer conditions for their talented backline.

That’s exactly what they will get in Pretoria, with high temperatures of 30C expected at Loftus Versfeld.

The Bulls will also be happy to be back in the South African summer climate after a disappointing 27-5 defeat against Saracens in their opening game of the Champions Cup at StoneX Stadium.

Playing at altitude at Loftus Versfeld, the Bulls are the pre-match favourites to claim their first win of the competition this season.

However, Premiership champions Northampton are not to be underestimated and there’s value in backing the Saints to make this a closer contest than some might predict.

Bulls v Northampton Saints betting tips and predictions

Northampton Saints +10 handicap - 1/1

These sides have already met in 2024, with Northampton thrashing the Bulls 59-22 at Franklin’s Gardens in the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup last season.

It was an impressive display for the Saints, who would end up being edged out by eventual runners-up Leinster in the semi-finals.

Looking to go one better and reach the final this time around, Saints made an impressive start against Castres and should be able to push the Bulls all the way this weekend.

Boosted by the return of skipper George Furbank at full-back, Northampton boast one of the most dangerous backlines in club rugby.

England boss Steve Borthwick will be keeping a close eye on proceedings in Pretoria, especially on fly-half Fin Smith.

Looking to prove he is the man to wear the No.10 shirt for England in the 2025 Six Nations, Saturday is a big opportunity for Smith to impress on the big stage.

Glasgow Warriors showed how to beat the Bulls in their own backyard in the United Rugby Championship final last season and Northampton will follow suit and move this South Africa pack around the park.

If Saints do that then they stand a chance and are certainly worth looking at with a +10 handicap on Saturday.

Ollie Sleightholme anytime tryscorer - 7/4

Having impressed during the Autumn Nations Series with England, Ollie Sleightholme will look to get back to what he does best at Northampton, scoring tries.

Sleightholme went over for the Saints the last time they faced the Bulls in the East Midlands and this Northampton back division should be able to put the Red Rose flyer into space at Loftus Versfeld.

A player who knows his way to the tryline, last season’s top tryscorer in the Premiership appeals at 7/4 to score this weekend.

Alex Mitchell anytime tryscorer - 13/5

Another player who deserves consideration in the anytime tryscorer market, Alex Mitchell offers good value at 13/5.

Mitchell scored twice against the Bulls in the Champions Cup quarter-final last season and catches the eye here in this market.

Saracens had joy in and around the breakdown against this Bulls defence last week and Mitchell can snipe his way over the tryline on Saturday.

Read more rugby union betting tips and predictions on site.

Bulls v Northampton Saints odds

Bulls - 2/9
Draw - 25/1
Northampton Saints - 10/3

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.