Bulls vs Sharks
These teams have dominated the local rugby competitions in recent years and it come as no surprise that they meet in the quarter finals of the URC. The home team are playing at their fortress Loftus Versfeld while the Sharks are the one team capable of upsetting the Bulls on their home ground. The Bulls have selected a near full strength team with only Kurt Lee Arendse out injured. The Durban side are at full strength and boast a team with 9 Springbok internationals but the question remains can they play as a cohesive unit.
TIP: The Bulls are notorious for their simple game plan which is to dominate the opposition with their big forwards and power them into submission. This season however they have evolved and are playing a much more expansive game with great interplay between the forwards and the backs. This has been the key to their success as they have been very hard to defend against. The bookies have the Bulls as favourites but I’m tipping the Sharks for the upset win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 2.90, Playabets 2.75 and Sunbet 2.80
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Bulls vs Sharks
- The Sharks have beaten the Bulls in their last two encounters.
- The last four matches between these sides are split two wins apiece.
- The home team have won four of the last four fixture between these sides.
Latest results for both teams
The Bulls beat Ospreys 38-31 in their last match while the Sharks lost 24-21 against Ulster in their last match
PREDICTION
The Sharks can beat any team on their day as they are stacked with international class but it will depend a lot on the form of Curwin Bosch. He has struggled to ignite their potent backline and this will be the perfect game for him to find form. The Sharks have arguably the best backline in the competition with the likes of Aphelele Fassi and Makazole Mapimpi. The Bulls have their own flying winger in Madosh Tambwe who has set the tournament alight with his fantastic speed and power. The battle of the forwards will decide the match and Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will need to play his best match in a Sharks jersey to see them home. We are predicting a Sharks win by 6 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Bulls
15 Canan Moodie, 14 David Kriel, 13 Cornal Hendricks, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Madosh Tambwe, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Zak Burger, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Arno Botha, 6 Marcell Coetzee (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Walt Steenkamp, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp
Sharks
15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Henco Venter, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Le Roux Roets, 3 Thomas du Toit (c), 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Sharks victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 2.90
Playabets 2.75
Sunbet 2.80
Odds comparison on the Sharks handicap:
The complete odds on the Sharks handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+4.5) 1.91
Sunbet (+4.5) 1.89
Playabets (+4.5) 1.81
Predictions and Odds in details
There seems little to choose between these two excellent sides but the Bulls have shown that you don’t need international players in your side to do well but rather playing as a team is more important. The Sharks will attack the Bulls at scrum time as this has been a weakness of the home team while the visitors have an all Springbok front row. There are great odds on the Sharks upset win but if you looking for a safety bet then I suggest the Sharks on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+4.5) 1.91, Sunbet (+4.5) 1.89 and Playabets (+4.5) 1.81
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.
