Sharks vs Bulls
The Bulls were rampant in their last match against WP although they were helped by an incorrect red card to Scarra Ntubeni. They do seem like the favourites for this title but they will be up against a team with a lot to prove. The Sharks were embarrassed at home in their last match against the Griquas and their pride will see them bounce back in this match. They have made a significant change at fly half where Curwin Bosch has been moved to full back. The selection of Lionel Cronje at 10 is what the Sharks need as Bosch has looked out of form at 10. The Bulls have no such issues at pivot where Johan Goosen is playing some of the best rugby in the country. The Sharks pack must stand up to the Bulls otherwise this match could be over as a contest very early on. They were bossed by the Griquas pack and another showing like that and Coach Everitt will be forced to make some difficult decisions.
TIP: The Bulls will go top of the log if they win this encounter but I don’t think that will happen. The Sharks always seem to play their best rugby after a loss and that is what I’m expecting in this match. Curwin Bosch looked much better in the last match when he was moved to full back so that is a welcome change. The Bulls seem to have class players all over the park especially in the forwards where Marcell Coetzee was colossal. The backline seem to have been ignited with Goosen in the pivot spot and he also possesses a siege gun boot to punish any indiscretions. The bookies have the Bulls as favourites but I’m tipping the Sharks to bounce back and cause an upset in this match. The best odds on the Sharks upset victory can be found at: Worldsportsbetting 3.00, Playabets 2.75 and Sunbet 3.25
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Sharks vs Bulls
- The last two matches between the sides have been won by the Bulls.
- Prior to the last two matches the Bulls didn’t win against the Sharks in three matches.
- The last time they played in Durban the Bulls won 34-22.
Latest results for both teams
The Sharks lost their last game against Griquas 37-27 while the Bulls won their last match against WP 34-13.
PREDICTION
The Sharks have shown in the last few seasons that they are one of the most inconsistent teams as they blow hot and cold all the time. They will be desperate for victory in this match to keep in contact with the play off places. The Bulls looked formidable and they will once again look to their forwards like Coetzee to get them over the advantage line. The Sharks needs their Captain Phepsi Buthelezi to lead from the front as his form has dipped in the last few games. The continued improvement of Werner Kok in the fifteen man game has been a revelation and the Sharks will need him to make those all-important line breaks. The pride of the Sharks will see them to a tight victory by 3 points
- Probable Starting XVs
Sharks
15 Curwin Bosch, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Werner Kok, 12 Murray Koster, 11 Thaakir Abrahams, 10 Lionel Cronje, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi (captain), 7 Henco Venter, 6 Dylan Richardson, 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Le Roux Roets, 3 Khutha Mchunu, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu
Bulls
15 David Kriel, 14 Cornal Hendricks, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Richard Kriel, 10 Johan Goosen, 9 Zak Burger, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Muller Uys, 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Walt Steenkamp, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Schalk Erasmus , 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Sharks victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 3.00
Playabets 2.75
Sunbet 3.25
Odds comparison on the Sharks handicap :
The complete odds on the Sharks handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+6.5) 1.90
Sunbet (+6.5) 1.87
Playabets (+6.5) 1.82
Predictions and Odds in details
A week can make a big difference to a team and I’m hoping that the Sharks will have sorted their kicking game out as they needlessly kicked away possession in the last match. The Bulls have too many threats across the field and will punish any wayward kicking from the Sharks. The Bulls have recruited very well with Goosen and centre pairing of Lionel Mapoe and Harold Vorster. All these players have extensive experience and in their last game they showed that they still possess the class they renowned for. The Sharks need their Springbok wing Yaw Penxe to show his mettle with his explosive running as the Bulls are a very good defensive team. There are great odds on the Sharks upset victory but if you want a more secure bet I suggest the Sharks on the generous handicap. The best odds on the Sharks handicap are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+6.5) 1.90, Sunbet (+6.5) 1.87 and Playabets (+6.5) 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.
