Adam Williams presents his prediction for the Investec Champions Cup match.
Northampton Saints and Vodacom Bulls are not in their best form at the moment. Both sides have lost three of their last four matches. Since they are meeting in the European Rugby Champions Cup, it is notable that the hosts' only recent victory came in Europe.
Northampton Saints
Last season’s finalists Northampton Saints even won away to Section Paloise, currently second in France, by 35:27. At home, they have won all six matches (including against Stade Toulousain), and it was only an away defeat to third-placed Bristol Bears in the last round of Premiership Rugby (12:46) that knocked them off the top of the standings.
Vodacom Bulls
Vodacom Bulls are also on course for the United Rugby Championship play-offs, but they occupy only eighth place, the final qualifying position, with three wins and three defeats. The team had been much higher in the standings, but three losses in their last four league rounds have dragged them down. At the start of their European Rugby Champions Cup campaign they failed to make home advantage count, losing 33:46 to the reigning European Rugby Champions Cup holders Union Bordeaux Bègles.
Northampton Saints vs Vodacom Bulls Prediction
It is Bulls who must undertake the long-haul flight rather than Northampton Saints; southern France is much closer than South Africa. We are backing a comfortable win for the hosts, as their previous meeting at Franklin's Gardens in March 2024 also ended in a heavy victory for them (59:22).
