Sharks vs Clermont
The Sharks play host to Clermont in the unfamiliar surroundings of the Twickenham Stoop in London. The home team on the day are in their first ever European semi-final while the visitors on the day have won this title three times before. There is no doubt that Clermont have experience on their side with regards to this competition but the Sharks have plenty of World Cup winners in their side, so they know how to win the big games. Both these sides have struggled in their respective leagues with the Sharks only recently securing a few wins to lift them of the bottom spot of the URC.
TIP: Both teams have massive packs with excellent front rows with the scrum battle set to be one of the highlights of the match. The Sharks have the likes of Springboks Vincent Koch, Bongi Mbonambi and Ox Nche while Clermont have powerhouse French prop Rabah Slimani in their front row. The replacements could well decide this match and this is where the Sharks seem to have the advantage. 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: Tictacbets 1.75, SoccerShop 1.72 and Bettabets 1.74
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Sharks vs Clermont
- This is the first ever meeting between the sides.
Latest results for both teams
The Sharks beat the Scarlets 32-27 in their last match while Clermont beat Stade Francais 41-18 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Sharks have shown greater cohesion in attack thanks to the introduction of Siya Masuku in the flyhalf position. He has been a breath of fresh air to the team in both attack and defence. His battle with his opposite number Anthony Belleau will go a long way to deciding the outcome of the match. Belleau is the main link in the team and if the Sharks can put him under pressure, they will be well on their way to victory. The winning experience of Eben Etzebeth and the other Springboks tilt the match towards the Sharks, especially as Clermont have only won three of their last 14 away matches. I am predicting a Sharks win by six points.
Probable Starting XVs
Sharks
15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Lukhanyo Am (c), 12 Ethan Hooker, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche
Clermont
15 Alex Newsome, 14 Bautista Delguy, 13 Leon Darricarrere, 12 Julien Heriteau, 11 Alivereti Raka, 10 Anthony Belleau, 9 Baptiste Jauneau (captain), 8 Pita-Gus Sowakula, 7 Peceli Yato, 6 Killian Tixeront, 5 Tomas Lavanini, 4 Thibault Lanen, 3 Rabah Slimani, 2 Yohan Beheregaray, 1 Giorgi Beria
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Sharks victory are as follows:
Tictacbets 1.75
SoccerShop 1.72
Bettabets 1.74
Odds comparison on the Sharks handicap:
The complete odds on the Sharks handicap:
Tictacbets 1.90 (-2.5)
SoccerShop 1.87 (-2.5)
Bettabets 1.89 (-2.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are decent odds on the Sharks outright win therefore we suggest backing the home team on the handicap for better odds. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.90 (-2.5), SoccerShop 1.87 (-2.5) and Bettabets 1.89 (-2.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Moana vs Highlanders
Gloucester vs Benetton
Chiefs vs Force
Sharks vs Clermont
Brumbies vs Drua
Canon Eagles vs Wild Knights
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.
