A confident Sharks outfit are aiming to close the gap between themselves and the Stormers when they clash for the first time in over a year at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday in the only URC match of the weekend.
Sharks v Stormers
Saturday 4 February
Hollywoodbets Kings Park
14:00
To Win
Sharks 4/10 | Draw 20/1 | Stormers 2/1
Handicap
Sharks (-6.5) 17/20 | Stormers (+6.5) 17/20
The fixture, initially set to take place in the first round, is a particularly interesting one given the current standing and form of both sides. The defending champions lead the way in the SA Shield, sitting on 45-points albeit having played one more game than the hosts, who’ve collected 33-points and occupy third.
The Sharks have enjoyed a sparkling run since their 35-0 November drubbing in Durban at the hands of Cardiff, claiming seven wins from nine in all competitions to see them placed eighth overall in the URC (with two games in hand on leaders Leinster) with a home round of 16 Champions Cup tie with Munster to come.
Last week, the Durbanites, spearheaded by an inspired performance from Aphelele Fassi, earned a valuable 22-18 win in Edinburgh despite the absence of several internationals due to Springbok-mandated rest. While their top Springboks will sit Saturday’s game out too, the side still has valuable momentum.
Grafting ahead of Derby day 🏋️#FearTheFin pic.twitter.com/NBc2rXCcwA
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) February 2, 2023
The Capetonians are second overall but head into this one off the back of a 35-5 thumping at the hands of Ulster in Belfast. That said, they too were missing a number of frontline players but will this week welcome back into the fold the likes of Manie Libbok, Joseph Dweba, Deon Fourie and Hacjivah Dayimani.
Skipper Steven Kitshoff, Frans Malherbe and Damian Willemse are still on a break.
A big victory for the Sharks could put them within seven-points of John Dobson’s charges on the log with a rematch at Cape Town Stadium still to come. Alternatively, a Stormers win would see them take real command of the SA Shield.
The humidity that comes with a 2pm February kick-off in Durban will play into the Sharks’ hands, with the visitors unlikely to successfully execute their typical ball in hand approach. Much will come down to the tactical kicking accuracy of pivots Curwin Bosch and Libbok, as well as the set piece. In this regard, Neil Powell’s men should have the upper hand.
Verdict: Sharks (-6.5) 17/20
Get on the Sharks to clear the handicap at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.
