Munster vs Sharks
Defending champions Munster welcome the Sharks to Thomond Park for this opening round match in the United Rugby Championship. The home team were the surprise package last season as they won away to Leinster and the Stormers in the semi and finals to clinch the title. It is not certain if any of their Irish internationals will be available for this match but fortunately, they have great depth in their squad. The Sharks have a new Coach in John Plumtree and he will want to get his tenure off with a victory although this will be a tough ask, especially with the visitors missing all their Springboks.
TIP: The Sharks big signing in the off season has been former Springbok wing Aphiwe Dyantyi who has served his suspension for using a banned substance. If the flying winger is anywhere near his old form, them Munster will have their hands full. The home side have lost some key personnel from their Championship winning side but they still have plenty of talented and experienced players. The bookies have Munster as favorites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.18, Gbets 1.18 and Hollywoodbets 1.17
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Munster vs Sharks
- These teams have played each other three times with one win apiece and one draw.
- The away team is yet to win a match between these sides.
Latest results for both teams
This is the first match of the new season.
PREDICTION
What made the achievement of Munster last season even more impressive was that Coach Graham Rowntree only took over the reins at the beginning of the campaign. They had the perfect blend of experience and youth with the likes of Craig Casey and Jack Crowley shining at the crunch end of the season. The Sharks had a disappointing season but the appointment of Plumtree can only be good news for the franchise. There are many mouth-watering battles but the contest between international flyhalf’s Curwin Bosch and Crowley could go a long way to deciding the winner in the match. I am predicting a Munster win by 6 points
Probable Starting XVs
Munster
15 Mike Haley, 14 Calvin Nash, 13 Antoine Frisch, 12, 11 Shane Daly, 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Gavin Coombes, 7 John Hodnett, 6 Peter O’Mahony (captain), 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Stephen Archer, 2 Diarmuid Barron, 1 Jeremy Loughman.
Sharks
15 Boeta Chamberlain, 14 Aphiwe Dyantyi, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 11 Werner Kok, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Cameron Wright, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter (captain), 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Justin Basson, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Dian Bleuler
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Munster victory are as follows:
Betway 1.18
Gbets 1.18
Hollywoodbets 1.17
Odds comparison on the Sharks handicap:
The complete odds on the Sharks handicap:
Betway 1.90 (+12.5)
Gbets 1.87 (+12.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.89 (+12.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There is no money to be made on the Munster outright win therefore we suggest backing the visitors on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.90 (+12.5), Gbets 1.87 (+12.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.89 (+12.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Newcastle vs Gloucester
Northampton Saints vs Bristol
Saracens vs Bath
Leicester Tigers vs Sale Sharks
Harlequins vs Exeter Chiefs
Zebre vs Ulster
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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.
