Bulls vs Sharks
The Bulls will come into this match very happy after they had two wins over the Lions but know they face a much bigger test this week. The Sharks are now desperate for a win after a draw and a loss against the Stormers. They looked like they didn’t recover from the shock of the draw as they were completely out gunned last week. The Bulls are in 12th position on the log with 16 points while the Sharks also have 16 points but are ahead because of a better points difference.
TIP: The Bulls looked ruthless in their past two games while the Sharks looked like they are a team that was playing together for the first time. It is hard to believe thе the entire Sharks backline has international players as they have created almost nothing in attack. Their halfbacks have been very poor which in turn has not allowed their much vaunted backline to get any good ball. The bulls will employ a rush defence against the Sharks. The bookies have the Bulls as slight favourites but I tip Sharks for the upset win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 2.80, Playabets 2.50 and Sunbet 2.28
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Bulls vs Sharks
- Bulls have won three of the last five matches between these teams.
- The Bulls are unbeaten in their last five home matches against the Sharks.
- The last time the Sharks won in Pretoria was in 2019.
Latest results for both teams
The Bulls beat the Lions 21-13 in their last match while the Sharks lost 20-10 to the Stormers in their last match..
PREDICTION
The Bulls have been brilliant to sticking to their forwards dominated game plan. It is not always pretty to watch but very effective. The likes of Marcell Coetzee and Elrigh Louw have been excellent at winning turnover ball. The Sharks to have any chance in this match will need to play a high tempo, ball in hand game to move the big Bulls pack around the field. The Sharks seem to have the edge in the scrums and if they can get a decent platform then they can run at the Bulls and put them under pressure. I am tipping the Sharks to bounce back with a win by 4 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Bulls
15 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Madosh Tambwe, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Zak Burger, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Arno Botha, 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Walt Steenkamp, 3 Jacques van Rooyen, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Simphiwe Matanzima.
Sharks
15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Sibusiso Nkosi, 13 Jeremy Ward, 12 Lukhanyo Am (captain), 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Tito Bonilla, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Jeandre Labuschagne, 6 Siyamthanda Kolisi, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Mbongeni Mbonambi, 1 Retshegofaditswe Nché
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Sharks victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 2.80
Playabets 2.50
Sunbet 2.28
Odds comparison on the Sharks handicap :
The complete odds on the Sharks handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+4.5) 1.85
Sunbet (+4.5) 1.82
Playabets (+4.5) 1.82
Predictions and Odds in details
The Bulls will look to use their rolling maul to great affect while the Sharks will need their maul defence to be in top form. The kicking game will eventually decide this match with the maestro Morne Steyn dictating play with his boot while the Sharks will look to their flyhalf Tito Bonilla to kick strategically. If the Sharks kick waywardly then the Bulls back three will have a field day. There are great odds on the Sharks upset win but if you are 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) 1.85, Sunbet (+4.5) 1.82 and Playabets (+4.5) 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.
