Bulls vs Ulster Prediction (United Rugby Championship) Odds and Bets 24.10.2026

Last update at 23 October, 2026Reading time: 4 minutes

Bulls

Ulster

United Rugby Championship, 12:45 @ 24.10.2026

The Bulls welcome Ulster to Loftus Versfeld on Saturday 24 October, with kick-off at 12:45pm Irish time. The South Africans sit third in the United Rugby Championship after a strong start, while Richie Murphy’s Ulster are still chasing their first league victory.

Playing at altitude in Pretoria presents another challenge for the visitors. The Bulls have scored freely at home, and their powerful forwards could make this a difficult afternoon for Ulster. I’m backing the hosts to win comfortably, with the handicap markets offering better value than the outright result.

Bulls vs Ulster: Match Preview

The Bulls have won two of their opening three URC matches, scoring 126 points and conceding just 54. Their impressive 57-15 victory over the Lions highlighted their attacking quality, with nine tries demonstrating their ability to dominate opponents.

Johan Ackermann’s side followed that performance with a convincing 56-20 Champions Cup victory against Stade Français, featuring a hat-trick from Cheswill Jooste. Ulster have endured a frustrating start domestically, drawing twice and losing once. However, their 33-33 draw against Glasgow and remarkable comeback against Munster showed they can produce dangerous attacking rugby.

Their first competitive victory arrived against Zebre Parma in Europe, winning 40-21. Saturday’s match takes place at Loftus Versfeld, where the Bulls’ forward power and the effects of altitude should provide a significant advantage. Premier Sports will broadcast the match in Ireland.

Recent Form and Key Results

Team	Recent completed results
Bulls	Won 56-20 vs Stade Français; Won 57-15 vs Lions
Ulster	Won 40-21 vs Zebre Parma; Drew 26-26 vs Munster; Drew 33-33 vs Glasgow

The Bulls have averaged 42 points per URC match compared with Ulster’s 29.3, while conceding just 18 per game against the visitors’ 31. The recent head-to-head record also favours the home side in Pretoria. The Bulls won their previous two home URC meetings with Ulster, 47-21 in October 2024 and 34-16 in April 2022. Ulster won the latest encounter 28-7 in Belfast last October, but playing at Loftus presents a very different challenge.

Team News and the Main Uncertainty

Marcell Coetzee returns to captain the Bulls, with Elrigh Louw moving to number eight. Ackermann has also introduced an entirely new starting front row while retaining the backline that impressed against Stade Français. Handré Pollard remains central to their attacking game, while Marco van Staden and Cameron Hanekom provide serious impact from the bench.

Ulster have named eight players from Ireland’s Nations Championship squad. Tom Stewart captains the visitors, with Stuart McCloskey offering experience in midfield and Jacob Stockdale starting at full-back. Juarno Augustus, who impressed against Zebre, will be particularly important if Ulster are to compete physically with the Bulls’ powerful forwards.

Tactical Analysis: Can Ulster Handle the Bulls at Loftus?

The Bulls’ forward dominance and ability to maintain attacking intensity make them particularly dangerous at home. Pollard’s tactical kicking should help the hosts control territory, while their powerful back row can create opportunities through sustained pressure. Ulster have enough attacking quality to respond. Stockdale, McCloskey and Michael Lowry can exploit defensive gaps, particularly when Murphy’s side moves possession quickly.

However, Ulster have already conceded 93 points in three URC matches. Against a Bulls attack averaging 42 points per game, those defensive weaknesses could prove costly. Altitude is another factor. The physical demands of playing in Pretoria may become more noticeable during the final quarter, when the Bulls can introduce fresh forwards. I expect Ulster to score, but the hosts have the strength and depth to establish a substantial winning margin.

Bulls vs Ulster: Betting Odds

The Bulls are overwhelming favourites for Saturday’s URC clash, reflecting their excellent home form and Ulster’s difficult opening to the season.

Full-time result (1X2)	Odds
Bulls to win	1.07
Draw	29.00
Ulster to win	9.25

The outright home victory at 1.07 offers little return. Given the Bulls’ attacking record and previous performances against Ulster in Pretoria, the handicap markets provide a more appealing option.

Bulls vs Ulster: Alternative Betting Odds

The Bulls have scored 113 points across their last two home fixtures, making a comfortable victory a realistic possibility.

Betting market	Odds
Bulls -15.5 Handicap	1.65
Bulls -21.5 Handicap	2.20

Bulls -15.5 at 1.65 is my preferred selection. Their forward strength, attacking form and home advantage give them a strong chance of winning by at least 16 points. For a bigger return, Bulls -21.5 at 2.20 is worth considering. Their attacking depth could prove especially important during the final 20 minutes, when Ulster may struggle to maintain their defensive intensity. Indicative pre-match odds as of 23 October 2026. Prices may change before kick-off. All markets refer to the final score after 80 minutes.

Bulls vs Ulster Predictions

Beni

The conservative one

Bulls -15.5 Handicap

Coefficient 1.65

The Bulls have been ruthless at Loftus, and Pollard gives them excellent control. Ulster will have their moments, but I fancy the home pack to take charge. Bulls by 16 or more for me.

Beto

The bold one

Bulls -21.5 Handicap

Coefficient 2.20

Nine tries against the Lions, eight against Stade Français. These Bulls aren't messing around! At altitude, with that bench, I'm backing them to run away with it. Give me a win by 22 or more.

Bulls -15.5 Handicap (Bulls to win by 16+ points)

Category Rugby

Coefficient

Chooses

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Cian O’DonnellExpert in Irish and UK sports betting

Cian knows the Irish betting scene well and has spent years analysing football, racing and major sporting events across Ireland and the UK. His tips are based on form, stats, market trends and a good read of what is happening around each event. Check out his free BetBrothers predictions and see which picks he is backing next.