Sharks vs Edinburgh
This will be the first ever meeting between these sides and should be a close contest if the log standings are anything to go by. The Sharks are in sixth position with 36 points while Edinburgh are in fifth place with 39 points but they have played an extra match. The home team are on a great run of results with four wins in row while the away team has only won one of their last five matches. Edinburgh’s poor from can be attributed to them having several players missing due to national commitments. They also had a strange set of fixtures where four of their five matches were away from home.
TIP: The Sharks have a few players under an injury cloud but do have adequate replacement cover. The Edinburgh touring squad does include players that played in the recently concluded Six Nations but it remains to be seen if the internationals will be rushed back into the URC. The Sharks will target Edinburgh in the forwards as the home team boasts a Springbok laden pack. 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 1.28, Playabets 1.25 and Sunbet 1.26.
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Sharks vs Edinburgh
- This is the first meeting between the sides.
Latest results for both teams
The Sharks won their last match 38-6 against Zebre while Edinburgh lost 30-17 to Glasgow in their last match.
PREDICTION
Although the Sharks have won their last four matches they have not hit their straps which is good and bad news for them. The good news is that they can improve a whole lot more but the major problem is in the halfbacks. They have a star studded backline but Curwin Bosch just can’t seem to ignite them. Edinburgh on the other hand are playing a high tempo game this season and are attacking from anywhere on the pitch. If they can get quick ball then they have dangerous backline players like Henry Immelman and Emiliano Boffelli who can exploit this. I am predicting a Sharks win by more than 10 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Sharks
15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Ben Tapuai, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Yaw Penxe, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Henco Venter, 6 Siyamthanda Kolisi (captain), 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Gerbrandt Grobler, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Mbongeni Mbonambi, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu
Edinburgh
15 Henry Immelman, 14 Ramiro Moyano, 13 Matt Currie, 12 Chris Dean, 11 Emiliano Boffelli, 10 Jaco van der Walt, 9 Henry Pyrgos (captain), 8 Mesulame Kunavula, 7 Connor Boyle, 6 Ben Muncaster, 5 Glen Young, 4 Pierce Phillips, 3 Angus Williams, 2 Dave Cherry, 1 Harrison Courtney
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Sharks victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.28
Playabets 1.25
Sunbet 1.26
Odds comparison on the Sharks handicap :
The complete odds on the Sharks handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-9.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-9.5) 1.85
Playabets (-9.5) 1.87
Predictions and Odds in details
Edinburgh have been one of the most exciting sides to watch in the competition this year but the most worrying thing for them will be their poor form on the road. The Sharks will look to capitalize on this by putting pressure on the visitors from the first whistle. The Scottish team will use the tactic of running the ball at all times to tire out the heavy Sharks pack. There are poor odds on the Sharks outright win therefore we suggest the home team on the handicap for better returns. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-9.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-9.5) 1.85 and Playabets (-9.5) 1.87
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.
