Sharks vs Bulls
Both these teams will desperate for points after losing three of their first four matches. The South African powerhouse teams had a miserable time overseas. The disappointing tour has them occupy 14th and 15th place on the log with just Zebre below them. They both have five points but the Sharks are above them thanks to a better point’s differential. The Sharks have selected a very strong team that includes no less than seven Springboks. They will be out for revenge after they were demolished in the domestic Cup by the Bulls. There will be a debut for Bongi Mbonambi who is playing his first game for his new team and will be keen to start with a win.
TIP: The Sharks have gone with the inexperienced Boeta Chamberlain at ten and his battle with experienced Springbok Morne Steyn will go a long way to deciding who wins this match. In the past few fixtures between these sides the Sharks were dominated in the scrums but with two Springboks in the front row there should be parity at scrum time. The bookies have the Bulls as favourites but I’m also tipping the Sharks for the victory. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 2.30, Playabets 1.81 and Sunbet 1.71
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Sharks vs Bulls
- In the last five matches between the sides the Sharks have won two and the Bulls three.
- The Sharks have won four of the last five matches in Durban.
- The last match between the sides was won 44-10 by the Bulls.
Latest results for both teams
The Sharks lost their last match 23-17 to the Cardiff Blues while the Bulls lost 17-10 to Edinburgh in their last match.
PREDICTION
This match will be a true test of the Bulls ability as they will not be able to dominate the Sharks pack. They are so used of using their forwards but this Sharks team will also have Springbok skipper Siya Kolisi in their pack. The Sharks have a potent backline that includes Springbok wingers Sbu Nkosi and Makazole Mapimpi. It will be interesting to see if the Sharks halfbacks will be able to ignite the dangerous backline. If they are successful, then the Sharks will run out as winners. I am backing the Sharks to will this match by 8 points
- Probable Starting XVs
Sharks
15 Anthony Volmink, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Jeremy Ward, 12 Lukhanyo Am (c), 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Boeta Chamberlain, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Jeandre Labuschagne, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu
Bulls
15 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 14 Madosh Tambwe, 13 David Kriel, 12 Cornal Hendricks, 11 Richard Kriel, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Arno Botha, 6 Marcell Coetzee (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Walt Steenkamp, 3 Robert Hunt, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Sharks victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 2.30
Playabets 1.81
Sunbet 1.71
Odds comparison on the Sharks handicap victory :
The complete odds on the Sharks handicap victory:
Worldsportsbetting (+3.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-1.5) 1.87
Playabets (-1.5) 1.90
Predictions and Odds in details
The Sharks have been trying to play complete rugby by keeping the ball in hand and having interplay between backs and forwards and they have been successful until they meet a team with a dominant forward pack. Finally the Sharks have a forwards pack that can stand up to the Bulls.The Sharks maul defence must be on point as the Bulls score lots of tries through this avenue. The bookies have the Bulls as slight favourites but I suggest the Sharks on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+3.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-1.5) 1.87 and Playabets (-1.5) 1.90
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.
