Sharks vs Stormers
The Sharks welcome the Stormers to Durban for this rearranged fixture in the United Rugby Championships. There are a total of 14 Springbok players missing from both sides due to the resting protocols announced for the national team players. Despite the many absentees, there is still plenty of talent and experience on show in this match with the Stormers still boasting the likes of Mannie Libbok and Deon Fourie. The home team will be looking to build on their excellent away win over Edinburgh in the last match while the visitors will want a win to erase memories of their 35-5 thrashing they received from Ulster.
TIP: The Sharks played with a similarly depleted team in their last match and still managed the win which will no doubt instil confidence for this match. The Stormers welcome back a few first team regulars like Libbok, Fourie, Du Plessis and Senatla so they will be up for this contest. The match will be decided by the forwards and the Sharks seem to have the edge in this department. The bookies have the Sharks as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Playabets 1.40, Gbets 1.42 and Betway 1.45
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Sharks vs Stormers
- The Stormers are unbeaten in their last three matches against the Sharks.
- The Sharks have only won one of their last four home matches against the Stormers
Latest results for both teams
The Sharks beat Edinburgh 22-19 in their last match while the Stormers lost 35-5 to Ulster in their last match.
PREDICTION
Both teams have superb backlines and if the respective flyhalfs can launch their stars, then we could see an excellent running game. The Sharks showed tremendous defence in their last game so the visitors attack will need to be at its best if they are to find the tryline. There are a number of personal match ups but the battle between Curwin Bosch and Mannie Libbok will be the highlight of the match. The pivot that comes out on top in this battle will more likely steer his side to victory. The Sharks have used their rolling maul to great effect recently and if the Stormers are to win, their maul defence will need to be top class. I am predicting a Sharks win by three points.
Probable Starting XVs
Sharks
15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Marnus Potgieter, 13 Ben Tapuai, 12 Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 11 Thaakir Abrahams, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Cameron Wright, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi (c), 7 Henco Venter, 6 James Venter, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Hyron Andrews, 3 Carlü Sadie, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu
Stormers
15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Marcel Theunissen, 7 Junior Pokomela, 6 Deon Fourie (c), 5 Gary Porter, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Brok Harris
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Sharks victory are as follows:
Playabets 1.40
Gbets 1.42
Betway 1.45
Odds comparison on the Stormers handicap:
The complete odds on the Stormers handicap:
Playabets 1.89 (+6.5)
Gbets 1.91 (+6.5)
Betway 1.90 (+6.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor returns on the Sharks outright win therefore we suggest the away team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Playabets 1.89 (+6.5), Gbets 1.91 (+6.5) and Betway 1.90 (+6.5)
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.
