The Sharks will be looking to maintain their perfect start to the Currie Cup season when they play host to a dogged Pumas side on Friday the 7th of September.
The Round 3 Currie Cup action gets underway at Jonsson King’s Park this coming Friday evening with the Sharks taking on the Pumas. The hosts for this encounter come into this game off the back of a far from impressive four-point victory over a very weak Cheetahs, while the Pumas make the trip having been drubbed 28-57 by Western Province.
Sharks v Pumas
Friday 7 September
Jonsson King’s Park
19:00
To Win (80 Mins)
Sharks 1/16
Draw 33/1
Pumas 9/1
Handicap *
Sharks (-20) 9/10
Pumas (+20) 9/10
* forecast handicaps
Sharks
The Natalians were far from their fluent best last weekend but they did still manage to secure a bonus point victory out in Bloemfontein. The result – coupled with their Round 2 home 26-10 home victory the Bulls – sees them head into Friday night’s clash level on points with the second-placed Golden Lions and log-leaders, Western Province.
The Pumas have given the men from Durban a good run for their money in recent year’s but they have been a tougher prospect in Nelspruit then when travelling down to the coast as is illustrated by the Sharks 29-0 home victory last season.
Pumas
After a fast start, the Pumas were brought back down to earth with a heavy defeat to Western Province. They have really struggled on defence this season shipping 77 points at an average of 36.5 points per game. They have been decent enough on attack, however, scoring 70-points in their opening two matches.
While the Sharks are unlikely to be as expansive as Western Province were, the Pumas will need to sure up their defence if they are to avoid a heavy defeat. They will also need to be more competitive at scrum time as this is an area in which they’ve struggled.
Verdict: Sharks (-20) 9/10 * forecast handicaps
The Natalians will be looking for a much-impoved showing this week and the Pumas offer up ideal opposition to impress against. I can see the hosts taking this one by 20 points or more.
