Sharks vs Munster
The Sharks welcome Irish giants Munster to Kings Park for this round of 16 match in the Champions Cup. Both teams are desperate to bounce back from shock defeats in their last match as the Sharks were outplayed by the Scarlets while Munster were beaten at home by Glasgow. The Sharks will be hoping for a massive improvement from their Springbok players after they looked rusty and flat after a 7 week break. Munster have recalled all their Irish national players after their Six Nations triumph and will be relying on them to match the physicality of the home side.
TIP: In a match that will be packed with great head to head contests the battle between Springbok locks, Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman stand out. The World Cup winning second rowers will be hoping to get the better of each other as this will put their team on the front foot. The Sharks will be looking to Curwin Bosch to link up their dangerous backline as there was no cohesion in the last match. The bookies have the Sharks as favorites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.47, Gbets 1.46 and Hollywoodbets 1.46
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Sharks vs Munster
- The only previous match between the sides, was won by Munster 42.17.
Latest results for both teams
The Sharks lost 32-20 to the Scarlets in their last match while Munster lost 38-26 to Glasgow in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Sharks will be hoping to get off to a fast start as this is when they have been at their best this season. Munster on the other hand will want to play a defensive game early on with a lot of kicking especially if they start with Connor Murray at scrumhalf. The home side can be expected to be tested with an aerial bombardment as the Irish team are excellent in the air. The Sharks will be targeting Munster at the scrums as they have the advantage in this area with their all Springbok front row. If the Sharks can cut out their unforced errors, I predict they will win by 12 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Sharks
15 Henry Chamberlain, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phendulani Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siyamthanda Kolisi (captain), 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Mbongeni Mbonambi, 1 Retshegofaditswe Nché.
Munster
15 Mike Haley, 14 Calvin Nash, 13 Antoine Frisch, 12 Jack Crowley, 11 Shane Daly, 10 Joey Carbery, 9 Craig Casey, 8 Gavin Coombes, 7 John Hodnett, 6 Peter O’Mahony (captain), 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 John Ryan, 2 Niall Scannell, 1 Dave Kilcoyne
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Sharks victory are as follows:
Betway 1.47
Gbets 1.46
Hollywoodbets 1.46
Odds comparison on the Sharks handicap:
The complete odds on the Sharks handicap:
Betway 1.90 (-5.5)
Gbets 1.88 (-5.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.88 (-5.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are decent returns on the Sharks outright win but if you looking for better odds then we suggest the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.90 (-5.5), Gbets 1.88 (-5.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.88 (-5.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Moana Pasifika vs Highlanders
Reds vs Crusaders
Lions vs Sharks
Fijian Drua vs Rebels
Brumbies vs Waratahs
Sports crazy fan that follows all major sport but the game with the oval ball is my real passion. Was an age level rugby coach and a huge supporter of the Springboks and diehard Liverpool man. I’m an experienced punter and sports writer whose predictions/tips are sure to stir up the emotions. I love the occasional wager on the underdog.
