Sharks vs Harlequins
The Sharks make their debut in the Champions Cup as they welcome English side Harlequins to Durban. The home team won a hard fought 25-10 battle against Ospreys in their last match which was the first under new coach Neil Powell. The scoreline is a little deceiving as two late Sharks tries carried them to victory in a match that could have went either way with 10 minutes to go. Harlequins also had a tough 19-12 win in their last match against Bath. This will be the visitor’s first ever competitive match in South Africa.
TIP: The Sharks have loaded their team with Springboks for this match and Springbok Captain Siya Kolisi has been handed the skippers arm band for this clash. The match will see former Sharks favourite Andre Esterhuizen line up against his old teammates and on the Sharks side Ben Tapuai will also be facing his old employers and we can expect a titanic battle in the midfield. 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 1.50, Playabets 1.54 and Sunbet 1.48
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Sharks vs Harlequins
- This is the first ever meeting between these teams.
Latest results for both teams
The Sharks beat Ospreys 25-10 in their last match while Harlequins won 19-13 against Bath in their last match.
PREDICTION
Harlequins will be missing their England star Marcus Smith as he is injured while the home side welcomes back their Springbok flyhalf Curwin Bosch in only his second match after breaking his hand. It is fair to say that the scrum battle will be one of the highlights in this match as Carlu Sadie and Ox Nche battle Joe Marler and fellow Springbok Wilco Louw. If the Sharks can gain ascendency in the scrum them they will be well on their way to victory. There are plenty of exciting personal match ups with another being between international scrum halves Jaden Hendrikse and Danny Care. We are predicting a Sharks win by 10 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Sharks
15 Boeta Chamberlain, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche
Harlequins
15 Nick David, 14 Cadan Murley, 13 Joe Marchant, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Josh Bassett, 10 Tommy Allan, 9 Danny Care, 8 Alex Dombrandt (c), 7 Will Evans, 6 Jack Kenningham, 5 Irne Herbst, 4 Dino Lamb, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Jack Walker, 1 Joe Marler
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Sharks victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.50
Playabets 1.54
Sunbet 1.48
Odds comparison on the Sharks handicap:
The complete odds on the Sharks handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-5.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-5.5) 1.89
Playabets (-5.5) 1.84
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor returns of the Sharks outright victory therefore we suggest the home side on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-5.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-5.5) 1.89 and Playabets (-5.5) 1.84
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.
