Edinburgh vs Sharks
Two teams with contrasting results come into this match as Edinburgh entertains the Sharks at the DAM Health Stadium. The home team recorded one of their finest wins when they beat English giants Saracens in their last match while the visitors went down to a Marcus Smith inspired Harlequins. Both teams have been forced into changes as the Sharks have rested many of their Springbok players while Edinburgh have had their national players called up for Six Nations camps. The home team have looked great on attack but it is their defensive resolve that was most impressive.
TIP: The Sharks were very disappointing in their defeat to Harlequins despite their team including a host of Springboks. Their biggest problem was in defence as they were torn open almost every time the opposition got into their 22m area. There is just point separating the two teams on the log although the Sharks have two games in hand. The winner of the match will climb into the playoff positions. The bookies have Edinburgh as favourites but I’m tipping the Sharks for the upset win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 2.25, Playabets 2.30 and Sunbet 2.40
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Edinburgh vs Sharks
- These teams have met once before with Edinburgh winning 21-5.
Latest results for both teams
Edinburgh beat Saracens 20-14 in their last match while the Sharks lost 39-29 to Harlequins in their last match.
PREDICTION
Edinburgh will look to continue their attacking brand of rugby as their young flyhalf Charlie Savala looks to have settled in his very important role. The home team’s man of the season has been Viliame Mata and if the Sharks are to win this match, they will need to bring him to ground immediately otherwise he will cause massive damage. The return of Scottish international Hamish Watson could not have come at a better time as Edinburgh will be facing one of the more powerful packs in the competition. The Sharks have plenty of game breakers in their backline therefore I am predicting an away win by 4 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Edinburgh
15 Henry Immelman, 14 Wes Goosen, 13 Mark Bennett (c), 12 James Lang, 11 Jack Blain, 10 Charlie Savala, 9 Ben Vellacott, 8 Viliame Mata, 7 Hamish Watson, 6 Nick Haining, 5 Glen Young, 4 Marshall Sykes, 3 Murray McCallum, 2 Adam McBurney, 1 Boan Venter
Sharks
15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Marnus Potgieter, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Thaakir Abrahams, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi (c), 7 Henco Venter, 6 James Venter, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Hyron Andrews, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Ox Nche
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Sharks victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 2.25
Playabets 2.30
Sunbet 2.40
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) 1.84
Predictions and Odds in details
There are excellent returns on the Sharks upset win but if looking for a safer bet, then I suggest the visitors on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+2.5) 1.90, Sunbet (+2.5) 1.89 and Playabets (+2.5) 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.
