Bristol vs Sale Sharks
Bristol will be ecstatic with their 10-9 away win in the first leg but both teams should be disappointed by the level of their play. There were number of unforced errors from both teams and the Sharks simply kicked away possession all the time. The player that was most disappointing for the Sharks was Springbok Faf de Klerk. He refused to attack the Bristol defence and simply kicked at every opportunity. This negative tactic finally came back to haunt them when Bristol scored a try late in the match. The margin of the defeat means almost any Sharks victory will see them advance.
TIP: It will be interesting to note if Sale persists with the tactic of kicking the ball away or if they decide to hold onto the ball. Bristol have struggled all season with a porous defence which makes the Sharks tactics even more bizarre. The Bristol team is packed with stars and if they pick a full strength team they will be tough to beat. The bookies have the Bears as favourites but I tip the Sharks on the upset win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 2.25 Playabets 2.23 and Sunbet 2.28
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Bristol vs Sale Sharks
- Sale have won three of the last five matches against Bristol.
- Bristol have won the last two matches between these sides.
- Sale have only lost twice in their last five visits to Ashton Gates.
Latest results for both teams
Bristol beat Sale Sharks 10-9 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Sale Sharks have arguably the strongest pack in England and need to play to their strengths. They have huge ball carriers like the Du Preez brothers that need to made inroads through the middle which will give their outside backs the chance to test the Bristol defence. The home team has players like Charles Piutau and Semi Radradra who are world class and if they are given front ball then they are likely to win the match for the Bears. The player that the Sharks need at his best is Manu Tuilagi as he can win a match on his own. I predict the Sharks to win by 7 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Bristol
15 Charles Piutau, 14 Jack Bates, 13 Piers O’Conor, 12 Semi Radradra, 11 Alapati Leiua, 10 Callum Sheedy, 9 Harry Randall, 8 Nathan Hughes, 7 Sam Jeffries, 6 Chris Vui, 5 Joe Joyce (c), 4 Dave Attwood, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 2 Bryan Byrne, 1 Jake Woolmore
Sale Sharks
15 Luke James, 14 Jack Metcalf, 13 Sam James, 12 Manu Tuilagi, 11 Aaron Reed, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Dan du Preez, 7 Jono Ross (c), 6 Jean-Luc du Preez, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Jacobus Wiese, 3 Nick Schonert, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Bevan Rodd
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Sale victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 2.25
Playabets 2.23
Sunbet 2.28
Odds comparison on the Sale handicap :
The complete odds on the Sale handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+3.5) 1.90
Sunbet (+3.5) 1.86
Playabets (+3.5) 1.84
Predictions and Odds in details
The Sharks have had success this season with their driving maul but were nullified by excellent Bears defence in the first leg. The Bears will want to win this match and lose the chokers title they inherited last season after losing the Premiership semi-final to Harlequins. There are great odds on the Sharks upset win but if you looking for a safety bet then I suggest the away team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+3.5) 1.90, Sunbet (+3.5) 1.86 and Playabets (+3.5) 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.
