Sharks vs Leinster
This is the first ever meeting between these sides and log leaders Leinster have chosen to send a second string team to South Africa. The Sharks should look at this as a sign of disrespect and the best way to deal with it is to thrash the Irish side. The Sharks will be full of confidence after two comprehensive wins in their last two matches. Leinster are 10 points clear at the top of the table and are assured of a home playoff while the Sharks are in sixth positon but are just a point behind the fourth placed team. They need to win this match to enter the top four positions.
TIP: The Sharks will look to build on their last two wins at home. Both those victories were built on their forwards dominating the opposition packs and they will look to do the same again. Leinster have however plenty of Irish internationals in their team and it will be interesting how the likes of Max Deegan and Rhys Ruddock face up to the Sharks loose trio. 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 1.66, Playabets 1.62 and Sunbet 1.65
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Sharks vs Leinster
- This is the first meeting between these sides.
- Latest results for both teams
The Sharks beat the Lions 37-10 in their last match while Leinster beat Connacht 56-20 in their last match.
- PREDICTION
The Sharks will welcome back one of their best attacking players in Aphelele Fassi. He was sorely missed and Leinster will need to watch him closely as he can be lethal if given any space. The battle at scrum time will have a huge bearing on the match. The all Springbok Sharks front row will be up against two Irish internationals in Rónan Kelleher and Andrew Porter. If Leinster can match the Sharks in the scrums then they could win this match. Leinster will be hoping for rain as this would nullify much of the Sharks attacking plays. I feel the Sharks should be too strong for a weakened Leinster team and the home team will win by 13 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Sharks
15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Ben Tapuai, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Henco Venter, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Le Roux Roets, 3 Thomas du Toit (c), 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche
Leinster
15 Chris Cosgrave 14 Tommy O’Brien, 13 Jamie Osborne, 12 Ciarán Frawley, 11 Rory O’Loughlin, 10 Harry Byrne, 9 Nick McCarthy, 8 Max Deegan, 7 Scott Penny, 6 Rhys Ruddock (c), 5 Jack Dunne, 4 Brian Deeny, 3 Thomas Clarkson, 2 Rónan Kelleher, 1 Andrew Porter
- Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Sharks victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.66
Playabets 1.62
Sunbet 1.65
- Odds comparison on the Sharks handicap :
The complete odds on the Sharks handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-2.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-2.5) 1.89
Playabets (-2.5) 1.81
- Predictions and Odds in details
The Sharks used their maul to great effect in the last match and if Leinster can’t stop the maul then they will be in serious trouble. The Leinster team although very inexperienced do have a lot of talent and if the Sharks are complacent it could backfire on them. The power of the Sharks pack should carry them to victory. There are poor odds on the Sharks win therefore we suggest the home team on the handicap for better returns. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-2.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-2.5) 1.89 and Playabets (-2.5) 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.
