Sharks vs Zebre
Sharks welcome Zebre to the Sharks tank for the first ever meeting between these sides. They come into this match with contrasting fortunes with the Sharks winning 37- 20 in their last match against the Scarlets while Zebre suffered an embarrassing 55-7 loss to the Stormers. The home have struggled to get their attack in gear and in the last match it was the introduction of the replacements that turned the match in their favour. For Zebre just an improvement in performance will be welcomed. They played like a team that only practiced once before the match.
TIP: The Sharks have one of the most potent backlines in the competition but all that is useless if the flyhalf cant link up his backline. Curwin Bosch needs to up his passing game as this is often the time that the opposition turn over the possession due to his wayward passing. Zebre were hopeless in defence in the last match and will be hoping for a marked improvement from all their players. The bookies have the Sharks as heavy favourites and we are also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.01, Playabets 1.01 and Sunbet 1.01.
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Sharks vs Zebre
- This is the first meeting between these teams.
Latest results for both teams
The Sharks beat Scarlets37-20 in their last match while Zebre lost 55-7 to the Stormers in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Italian side will again struggle with the power game of the Sharks as this was the area that the Stormers dominated against them. They are arguably playing a stronger forwards pack in this match. Zebre have responded to that defeat by dropping Carlo Canna and bringing in Antonio Rizzi as the new number 10. Rizzi is younger but is the more exciting playmaker and he will link the Zebre backline if they get enough possession. Anything other than a bonus point victory for the Sharks will be regarded as a failure. I am predicting a Sharks win by less than 34 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Sharks
15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Ben Tapuai, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Henco Venter, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Gerbrandt Grobler, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu
Zebre
15 Michelangelo Biondelli, 14 Jacopo Trulla, 13 Erich Cronjé, 12 Timothy O’Malley, 11 Simone Gesi, 10 Antonio Rizzi, 9 Nicolò Casilio, 8 Renato Giammarioli (c), 7 Iacopo Bianchi, 6 Luca Andreani, 5 Liam Mitchell, 4 Potu Junior Leavasa, 3 Ion Neculai, 2 Massimo Ceciliani, 1 Andrea Lovotti
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Sharks victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.01
Playabets 1.01
Sunbet 1.01
Odds comparison on the Zebre handicap :
The complete odds on the Zebre handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+40.5) 1.90
Sunbet (+40.5) 1.88
Playabets (+40.5) 1.81
Predictions and Odds in details
The Sharks will want to start much better than they did in the last match against the Scarlets. They had a few lucky let offs early in that match but will be more focused in this match. The home team will want to use their driving maul more often as Zebre showed they don’t know how to stop a well set maul. There are no returns on the Sharks outright win but we suggest the visitors on the generous handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+40.5) 1.90, Sunbet (+40.5) 1.88 and Playabets (+40.5) 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.
