Pumas vs Sharks
The Pumas will be desperate for a win after losing their last two matches. They have now lost three of their four matches and languish at the bottom of the table. The Sharks on the other hand have won all three of their matches and are top of the log. The home team have reacted to those losses by making multiple changes. The biggest change has been the moving of Eddie Fouche from the number 10 jersey to the inside centre position. Tinus De Beer will now play in the flyhalf position.
TIP: The player that the Sharks will be looking to is Henry Chamberlain for a big performance as he started the URC championships as the Sharks first choice flyhalf but now is the third choice ten. The Pumas have dropped Devon Williams to the bench and have replaced him with Tapiwa Mafura which seems like a strange decision as Williams was one the standout players thus far. The bookies have the Sharks as favourites and I also tip them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.16, Playabets 1.18 and Sunbet 1.26
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Pumas vs Sharks
- The Sharks have won four of the last five matches between the sides.
- The Pumas have won two of their last five home matches against the Sharks.
- The Pumas last won against the Sharks in 2019.
Latest results for both teams
The Pumas lost their last match 28-17 against the Cheetahs while the Sharks won their last match against the Lions 45-31.
PREDICTION
The home team have relied heavily on the driving maul as usual but this season it has not been as productive as last season. This is one of the main reasons for their poor season. The Sharks generally have an excellent maul defence so the Pumas will struggle to score with the maul. The visitors have shown a tendency in matches to build a big lead and then stop playing attacking rugby. This has led to oppositions teams scoring plenty of points late in the game. I am predicting the Sharks to win by less than 10 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Pumas
15 Tapiwa Mafura, 14 Sebastian de Klerk, 13 Alwayno Visagie, 12 Eddie Fouche, 11 Jade Stighling, 10 Tinus de Beer, 9 Lucky Dlepu, 8 Willie Engelbrecht (captain), 7 Anele Lungisa, 6 Daniel Maartens, 5 Shane Kirkwood, 4 Malembe Mpofu, 3 Simon Raw, 2 Corne Fourie, 1 Ruan Kramer.
Sharks
15 Inny-Christian Radebe, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Jeremy Ward, 12 Murray Koster, 11 Marnus Potgieter, 10 Henry Chamberlain, 9 Sanele Nohamba, 8 Celimpilo Gumede, 7 Thembelani Bholi, 6 James Venter (Captain), 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Le Roux Roets, 3 Wiehahn Herbst, 2 Fezokuhle Mbatha, 1 Dian Bleuler.
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Sharks victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.16
Playabets 1.18
Sunbet 1.26
Odds comparison on the Sharks handicap :
The complete odds on the Sharks handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+9.5) 1.91
Sunbet (+9.5) 1.86
Playabets (+9.5) 1.82
Predictions and Odds in details
The Sharks will be looking to make it four wins from four matches but it won’t be easy against a Puma’s side that is always difficult to beat at home. The home team will need their forwards to be in top form and if they can match the Sharks pack then this could be a close match. There are poor odds on the Sharks win but if you are looking for a value bet b then I suggest the Pumas on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+9.5) 1.91, Sunbet (+9.5) 1.86 and Playabets (+9.5) 1.82
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.
