Leinster vs Sharks
Irish giants Leinster take on the Sharks in the third of the URC quarter finals. The home are fresh of a demolition job that they performed on Toulouse in the Champions Cup semifinal last time out. The Sharks on the other hand drew their last match and will be wandering how they didn’t win the match after leading 22-3 in the second half. Leinster have only lost once all season and that was their third string team that were beaten by the Bulls in the final round of the league. The Sharks will take encouragement from the fact that the Bulls beat Leinster at the same stage last season.
TIP: It was always going to be an uphill battle for the Sharks when they were drawn to play Leinster even if they had a full squad available. The fact that they are missing Springboks Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Curwin Bosch and Jaden Hendrikse makes the task almost impossible. The home side are missing their Captain Johnny Sexton but his deputy Ross Byrne has been in sublime form. The bookies have Leinster as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.09, Gbets 1.10 and Hollywoodbets 1.10
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Leinster vs Sharks
- These teams have met twice before with one win apiece.
- The home team have won on both occasions
Latest results for both teams
Leinster beat Toulouse 41-22 in their last match while the Sharks drew 22-22 with Munster in their last match.
PREDICTION
The home side look to have the advantage in most areas of the field with the scrum possibly being the only exception. The Sharks must look to launch their attack of the scrum although they have struggled for cohesion in the backline all season. Their task is made more difficult without their first choice ten in Bosch. Leinster have been brilliant in attack and defence and will look to run at the visitors defence at every opportunity as the men form Durban have been particularly poor in defence. Leinster have threats all across the park therefore I predict a home win by 20 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Leinster
15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Jordan Larmour, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Charlie Ngatai, 11 Jimmy O’Brien, 10 Ross Byrne, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Jack Conan, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Caelan Doris, 5 James Ryan (captain), 4 Ross Molony, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Andrew Porter.
Sharks
15 Aphelele Fassi , 14 Werner Kok, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Henry Chamberlain, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Jeandre Labuschagne, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Mbongeni Mbonambi, 1 Retshegofaditswe Nché.
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Leinster victory are as follows:
Betway 1.09
Gbets 1.10
Hollywoodbets1.10
Odds comparison on the Leinster handicap:
The complete odds on the Leinster handicap:
Betway 1.85 (-18.5)
Gbets 1.87 (-18.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-18.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor returns on the Leinster outright win but if you looking for better odds then we suggest the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.85 (-18.5), Gbets 1.87 (-18.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-18.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Griquas vs Lions
Crusaders vs Western Force
Cheetahs vs WP
Bristol vs Gloucester
Rebels vs Brumbies
Toulouse vs Bordeaux Begles
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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.
