Sharks vs Connacht
The Sharks are on course for the playoffs but will want a win to secure a home playoff match. The Sharks were extremely lucky to come away with the win in their last match against Leinster as they squandered countless chances to close out the game much earlier. If they do the same thing in this match then they won’t be so lucky this time. Connacht will be full of confidence after their morale boosting win over the Lions in the last match. They are often criticized for not stringing together consecutive good performances and this will be the perfect opportunity to silence their critics.
TIP: Connacht have brought their full-strength squad to South Africa unlike Leinster so the Sharks will need to be much better to win this match. The Sharks management made some strange decisions like taking out their props four minutes from time and it almost cost them the match. Connacht are a team that enjoys playing running rugby therefore the Sharks defence needs to be on point. 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 1.25, Playabets 1.28 and Sunbet 1.30.
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Sharks vs Connacht
- This is the first meeting between the sides.
Latest results for both teams
The Sharks beat Leinster 28-23 in their last match while Connacht beat the Lions 33-30 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The highlight of the match will be the battle between Aphelele Fassi and Mack Hansen as they are both international fullbacks with plenty of pace. The aerial contest between the two will decide who wins the territory battle. The Sharks obvious strength is their scrum as they have an all Springbok front row. If the visitors can avoid giving away penalties at scrum time then they could cause an upset. Sharks flyhalf Curwin Bosch had some great runs in the last match but failed to score from them due to lack of supporting players. If the Sharks can finish off their linebreaks they will win by more than 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 Phendulani Buthelezi, 7 Henco Venter, 6 Siyamthanda Kolisi, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Le Roux Roets, 3 Thomas du Toit (captain), 2 Mbongeni Mbonambi, 1 Retshegofaditswe Nche.
Connacht
15 Mack Hansen, 14 John Porch, 13 Bundee Aki, 12 Tom Daly, 11 Alex Wootton, 10 Jack Carty, 9 Caolin Blade, 8 Paul Boyle, 7 Jarrad Butler, 6 Cian Prendergast, 5 Niall Murray, 4 Oisín Dowling, 3 Jack Aungier, 2 Dave Heffernan, 1 Denis Buckley.
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Sharks victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.25
Playabets 1.28
Sunbet 1.30
Odds comparison on the Sharks handicap :
The complete odds on the Sharks handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-9.5) 1.91
Sunbet (-9.5) 1.83
Playabets (-9.5) 1.86
Predictions and Odds in details
The most dangerous player in the Connacht team is Irish international Bundee Aki. He is not only their best ball carrier that always gets them over the advantage line but he is also excellent at winning penalties at the breakdown. Marius Louw will have his hands full containing Aki but if he can stop him early then Connacht will struggle in the match. 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) 1.91, Sunbet (-9.5) 1.83 and Playabets (-9.5) 1.86
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.
