Sharks vs Stormers
The two best SA sides meet in this Coastal derby as the Sharks and Stormers clash in Durban. The Sharks are in 10th position while the Stormers are in 12th place. Both teams come into this match in good form having won their last match. The Stormers had the more impressive outing beating the mighty Bulls in their own backyard. The Sharks have strengthened their team for this match with the selection of Springbok skipper Siya Kolisi and Bok hooker Bongi Mbonambi. Both players will be facing their former teammates. There is sure to be plenty of fireworks between the players.
TIP: The Stormers were total underdogs in their last match but surprised the Bulls with their great all round play. The Stormers will want to play a set piece orientated game while the Sharks will want a high tempo games that will suit their potent backline. Both teams are very strong in the front row with the Sharks boasting an all Springbok front row. The battle at scrum time could very well decide the 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 1.40, Playabets 1.42 and Sunbet 1.33
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Sharks vs Stormers
- In the last six matches between these teams its split three wins apiece.
- The home team has lost four of the last five matches.
- The Stormers won 25-22 the last time these sides met.
Latest results for both teams
The Sharks won their last match 47-37 against the Lions while the Stormers beat the Bulls 30-26 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Sharks have an international backline with the exception of Boeta Chamberlain at flyhalf. This is quite ironic as he has the task of linking up this star studded team. Sharks winger Makazole Mapimpi is being touted as the best winger in world rugby and he showed his class in the last match with a hat trick of tries. The Stormers also have potent threats on the wing in former Sevens stars Angelo Davids and Seabelo Senatla. The contest between the wingers will be one of the highlights of the match. The overall quality in the Sharks team will see them win this match by more than 10 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Sharks
15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am (c), 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Boeta Chamberlain, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Jeandre Labuschagne, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche
Stormers
15 Damian Willemse, 14 Angelo Davids, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Rikus Pretorius, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Hacjivah Dayimani, 7 Ernst van Rhyn, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Adre Smith, 3 Sazi Sandi, 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Steven Kitshoff (c)
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Sharks victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.40
Playabets 1.42
Sunbet 1.33
Odds comparison on the Sharks handicap :
The complete odds on the Sharks handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-7.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-7.5) 1.93
Playabets (-6.5) 1.85
Predictions and Odds in details
The Stormers will want to try and stop the Sharks from getting quick ball to their backline therefore the performance of their loose trio will be vital. If the Sharks can get Kolisi to be the link between the backs and forwards then the Stormers will be in for a long afternoon. The player that holds the key for the Stormers is Manie Libbok as he can crack under pressure as we saw in the Bulls match. If he has a good game then the Stormers can spring a surprise. The bookies are offering poor returns on the Sharks outright win therefore I suggest the home team on the generous handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-7.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-7.5) 1.93 and Playabets (-6.5) 1.85
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.