Western Province welcome the Sharks to the Danie Craven Stadium for this match in the Carling Currie Cup. The home team will still be scratching their heads on how they lost their last match against Griquas after leading 35-7 at one point only to capitulate later in the match. The last match was typical of the season that Western Province have had and they will be glad that this is their last match of a very disappointing season. They have had most of the top players playing in the URC.
TIP: This meant they have fielded very young and inexperienced teams and were soundly beaten in most of their matches. Western Province cannot make the playoffs but they can have a say in who does make the top four. If they manage to beat the Sharks then will end any hopes of the Durban team making the semi-final. The bookies have the Sharks as favourites and I am also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.25, Playabets 1.26 and Sunbet 1.26
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Western Province vs Sharks
- The Sharks have won three of the last five matches between these sides.
- Western Province have only won one of their last three home matches against the Sharks.
Latest results for both teams
Western Province lost their last match 43-41 against the Griquas while the Sharks lost 38-32 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Sharks have been their own worst enemy in recent weeks as they have lost their last three matches in the competition. They went from being comfortably placed in third position to their current fifth place and hanging onto their playoff hopes by a thread. The Sharks need to win this match with a try bonus point that will take them to 32 points on the table. They will then need the Pumas to beat the Griquas by more than seven points and also deny them scoring four tries. The easier option for the Sharks is for the Griquas to beat the Pumas which will send them through to the semi-finals at the expense of the Pumas. I am predicting a Sharks win by 15 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Western Province
15 Tristan Leyds, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Mnombo Zwelendaba, 12 Juan de Jongh, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Timothy Swiel (captain), 9 Thomas Bursey, 8 Keke Morabe, 7 Marcel Theunissen, 6 Junior Pokomela, 5 Ben-Jason Dixon, 4 Simon Miller, 3 Sazi Sandi, 2 Jacques van Zyl, 1 Ali Vermaak
Sharks
15 Anthony Volmink, 14 Marnus Potgieter, 13 Jeremy Ward (captain), 12 Murray Koster, 11 Werner Kock, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Cameron Wright, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Jeandre Labuschagne, 6 Celimpilo Gumede, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Le Roux Roets, 3 Khutha Mchunu, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Dian Bleuler.
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Sharks victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.28
Playabets 1.26
Sunbet 1.26
Odds comparison on the Sharks handicap:
The complete odds on the Sharks handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-9.5) 1.91
Sunbet (-9.5) 1.89
Playabets (-9.5) 1.81
Predictions and Odds in details
The Sharks have much to play for although their destiny is not entirely in their own hands while the home team will want to end their season on a winning note. The visitors have a far inferior points difference to both the Griquas and the Pumas so they will need to win by at least 45 points which is highly unlikely. If they try and chase the points then Western Province could catch them on the break. The Sharks on the outright win offer poor odds therefore I suggest the visitors on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-9.5) 1.91, Sunbet (-9.5) 1.89 and Playabets (-9.5) 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.
