Harlequins vs Sharks
Harlequins welcome the Sharks to the Twickenham Stoop for this match in the Champions Cup. The home side have lost two of their three matches and need a win to secure their place in the round of 16. Harlequins will be kicking themselves after losing to Racing92 in their last match. They were leading against a 12 man team with three of their players sin binned but quite inexplicably conceded a penalty late in the game to lose the match. They will be hoping to return the favour to the Sharks after the Durban side beat them in the reverse fixture.
TIP: The Sharks have looked in sublime form in this competition and are one of the few unbeaten teams. They have blasting teams aside with their physicality but they won’t have it all their own way in this match as Quins have a strong forwards pack. The home team are slight favourites only because of their brilliant flyhalf Marcus Smith who was in sensational form in the last match.The bookies have Harlequins as favourites and I am also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.65, Playabets 1.66 and Sunbet 1.69
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Harlequins vs Sharks
- These teams have only met once before with the Sharks winning that encounter.
Latest results for both teams
The Sharks beat Bordeaux 32-3 in their last match while Harlequins lost 30-29 to Racing92 in their last match.
PREDICTION
Harlequins will be looking for a better start as they have been playing catch up in all their recent matches. If they fall behind to this Springbok laden Sharks team, making another of their famous comebacks will be almost impossible. The home team knows that a loss in this match will require other results to go their way if they are to make the next round. There are some mouthwatering individual clashes in this match and none more so than the all international halfback pairings of both sides. The flyhalf that can do the better job of releasing their backline will go a long way to winning the match for their team. We are predicting a home win by 8 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Harlequins
15 Nick David, 14 Cadan Murley, 13 Joe Marchant, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Josh Bassett, 10 Marcus Smith, 9 Danny Care, 8 Alex Dombrandt (c), 7 Will Evans, 6 Dino Lamb, 5 Irne Herbst, 4 Stephan Lewies, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Jack Walker, 1 Joe Marler
Sharks
15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Marnus Potgieter, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Thaakir Abrahams, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Ox Nche
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Harlequins victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.65
Playabets 1.66
Sunbet 1.69
Odds comparison on the Harlequins handicap:
The complete odds on the Harlequins handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-3.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-3.5) 1.89
Playabets (-3.5) 1.84
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor returns of the Harlequins outright victory therefore we suggest the home side on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-3.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-3.5) 1.89 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.
