Lions vs Sharks
Old rivalries clash in the first URC match after the festive break and Covid postponements. The Lions are in 11th position on the log with 11 points while the Sharks are in 12th spot with nine points. Both these team urgently need to start winning matches to have any realistic chance of making the playoffs. The Sharks have loaded their team with Springboks and their backline can rival any international team. The Lions have also selected a strong lineup with their scrum being their biggest threat. The forwards battle as always will decide the outcome of this match.
TIP: The Sharks will want to adopt a ball in hand approach as they have a world class backline. Their back three are all internationals and their centres are also internationals with their flyhalf Boeta Chamberlain the only non-capped international in the backline. It is strange that he is the most important man in the team because if he can link the backline the Sharks will easily win this match. The bookies have the Sharks as favourites and I also tip them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.22, Playabets 1.39 and Sunbet 1.48
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Lions vs Sharks
- In the last five matches between the sides, the Sharks have won three with the Lions winning one and there was one drawn match.
- The Lions have lost their last two home matches against the Sharks.
- The Sharks won the last match between the sides 56-14.
Latest results for both teams
The Lions lost their last match 50-9 to the Pumas while the Sharks won their last match 24-23 against the Griquas.
PREDICTION
The Lions always play a high tempo game and this match will be no exception. They have two brilliant wingers in Edwill van der Merwe and Rabz Maxwane and their contest with the Sharks wingers will be one of the highlights of the match. The Sharks seem to have the edge in most areas except the scrum although they have international props, their hooker will be targeted by a very strong Lions front row. The Sharks will do well to stay away from too many scrums. I am predicting the Sharks to win this match by more than 10 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Sharks
15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Sibusiso Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am (captain), 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Boeta Chamberlain, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Jeandre Labuschagne, 6 James Venter, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Retshegofaditswe Nche
Lions
15 EW Viljoen, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Burger Odendaal (captain,) 11 Rabz Maxwane, 10 Fred Zeilinga, 9 Andre Warner, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Ruhan Straeuli, 6 Jaco Kriel, 5 Pieter Jansen van Vuren, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Sti Sithole
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Sharks victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.22
Playabets 1.20
Sunbet 1.23
Odds comparison on the Sharks handicap :
The complete odds on the Sharks handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-10.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-4.5) 1.87
Playabets (-6.5) 1.92
Predictions and Odds in details
The Lions have a few injury concerns and this has certainly weakened their team but they still have a decent team on the field. The Sharks will hope that Wallaby Ben Tapuai can link up with the backline players in his first match for the Sharks. He is known for his powerful runs but it is his passing that will be more crucial in this match. The likes of Aphelele Fassi and Makazole Mapimpi are super dangerous when given any space. The bookies are offering poor returns on the Sharks outright win therefore I suggest the away team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-10.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-4.5) 1.87 and Playabets (-6.5) 1.92
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.
