Sharks vs Lions
The Sharks welcome the Lions to Durban for these teams opening match on the year. The home team are experiencing one of their worst ever seasons as they are bottom of the table with just eight points from as many games. It is scarcely believable that this is a team that has as many as eight current Springboks. The Lions on the other hand have no current internationals but have punched well above their weight as they lie in 12th place. They are just six points away from the play off places and they have two gams in hand over the teams directly above them.
TIP: The Sharks have almost certainly given up on a play-off position this season but will be looking to gain some respectability for the remainder of the campaign. They need their big-name players likes Eben Etzebeth and Lukhanyo Am to step up if they are to get past this tenacious Lions team. The visitors have been superb on the road this season and will fancy their chances of getting one over the old enemy. The bookies have the Sharks as favorites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.35, Gbets 1.35 and Hollywoodbets 1.35
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Sharks vs Lions
- The Sharks have won seven of the last nine matches against the Lions
- The last time the Lions beat the Sharks in Durban was in 2017.
Latest results for both teams
The Sharks lost 16-15 to the Stormers in their last match while the Lions beat Newcastle 35-13 in their last match.
PREDICTION
Coach John Plumtree will be a worried man as his team have won just once all season. It won’t get any easier for his team as the Lions have played excellently as a unit this season. The Sharks will need to decide if they want to play an expansive game or a kicking game as they often look confused in a match. Lions captain Marius Louw will have a score to settle with his former employers as he seeks to win in Durban for the first time since his move. The home team will need Curwin Bosch to find form and link his dangerous backline. I am predicting a Sharks win by 13 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Sharks
15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Marnus Potgieter, 13 Lukhanyo Am (captain), 12 Francois Venter, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Phepsi Buthelezi, 6 James Venter, 5 Corne Rahl, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Ox Nche
Lions
15 Quan Horn, 14 Richard Kriel, Henco van Wyk, 12 Marius Louw (captain), 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Sanele Nohamba, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Emmanuel Tshituka, 5 Ruben Schoeman, 4 Ruan Delport, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 PJ Botha, 1 JP Smith
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Sharks victory are as follows:
Betway 1.35
Gbets 1.35
Hollywoodbets 1.35
Odds comparison on the Sharks handicap:
The complete odds on the Sharks handicap:
Betway 1.90 (-7.5)
Gbets 1.87 (-7.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-7.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor odds on the Sharks outright win but if you are looking for better odds then we suggest backing the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.90 (-7.5), Gbets 1.87 (-7.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-7.5)
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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.
