Sharks vs Benetton
Two teams with contrasting emotions come into this match as the Sharks welcome Benetton to Durban for this URC Match. The home team were smashed 54-20 in their last match against Toulouse, to be dumped out of the Champions Cup. The visitors on the other hand became the first Italian side in history to qualify for any European semifinal as they beat Cardiff in the Challenge Cup quarter final. Both teams are chasing a playoff position with the Sharks just a point ahead of Benetton on 41 points. The home side currently occupies the final qualifying position.
TIP: The Sharks had matched the five time champions Toulouse up to the 50th minute and then the wheels came off at an alarming rate especially as the team is laden with Springboks. Benetton showed great resolve to claw their way back in their match and make history by making the semi-finals. They will need to show more of the same character if they are to overcome the Sharks on their home patch. The bookies have the Sharks as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.11, Gbets 1.10 and Hollywoodbets 1.10
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Sharks vs Benetton
- The only previous meeting between the teams was won 29-7 by the Sharks.
Latest results for both teams
The Sharks lost their last match 54-20 to Toulouse while Benetton won 27-23 against Cardiff in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Sharks have once again been an enigma this season as they can follow a sublime performance with a thoroughly dreadful one. They have looked good in attack in their last two matches but have conceded an incredible 89 points in those two games. They will need to be aware of this Benetton team who have showed a tendency to run the ball from anywhere on the field. The Sharks certainly have the edge in the scrums as they have an all Springbok front row but they will miss the services of Springbok giant Eben Etzebeth who is out for the season. The home team has too much power in their team therefore I predict a Sharks win by 20 points
Probable Starting XVs
Sharks
15 Henry Chamberlain, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siyamthanda Kolisi (captain), 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Hyron Andrews, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Mbongeni Mbonambi, 1 Retshegofaditswe Nché.
Benetton
15 Rhyno Smith, 14 Edoardo Padovani, 13 Nacho Brex, 12 Tommaso Menoncello, 11 Marcus Watson, 10 Jacob Umaga, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage (captain), 8 Henry Stowers, 7 Michele Lamaro, 6 Seb Negri Da Oleggio, 5 Federico Ruzza, 4 Niccolò Cannone, 3 Tiziano Pasquali, 2 Giacomo Nicotera, 1 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Sharks victory are as follows:
Betway 1.11
Gbets 1.10
Hollywoodbets 1.10
Odds comparison on the Sharks handicap:
The complete odds on the Sharks handicap:
Betway 1.85 (-15.5)
Gbets 1.87 (-15.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-15.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are decent returns on the Sharks 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 (-15.5), Gbets 1.87 (-15.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-15.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Brumbies vs Fijian Drua
Northampton Saints vs Saracens
Bulls vs Zebre
Stormers vs Munster
Connacht vs Cardiff
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.
