After a miserable time on tour the Sharks return to Durban for Saturday's clash with Connacht and the home side find themselves at the foot of the United Rugby Championship standings
Sharks v Connacht, Saturday 18th November, Durban, KO 17:00 (South African time)
Referee: Craig Evans (Wales)
Assistant referees: Morne Ferreira (South Africa), Cwengile Jadezweni (South Africa)
TMO: Sean Brickell (Wales)
Weather Forecast – Durban
Sharks:
Aside from the Dragons the Sharks are the only side still looking for a first win of the season.
This first home game for the Sharks is their third of the season against Irish opposition and they have already lost to Munster in Limerick (31-24) and Leinster in Dublin (34-14). The Sharks also lost to the Ospreys at Twickenham Stoop (19-5).
In Round 4 the Sharks were 6.5 point favourites for their trip to Parma to face Zebre and they were edged out 12-10 against a side who went the whole of last season without a victory. That losing bonus point is all the Sharks have to show for their efforts so far.
In the outright betting the Sharks are 28/1 shots to win the tournament with BoyleSports.
Connacht:
Connacht finished Round 4 as 1 of 7 teams with a record of 3 wins and 1 defeat and they have a tally of 14 log points, 1 off the pace.
Connacht started their campaign with back to back home wins over the Ospreys and Glasgow Warriors (both by a 34-26 scoreline) and they followed up with another home win in Round 3 when they came out on top in a derby against Ulster 22-20. A first road trip took them to Glasgow Warriors in Round 4 and they suffered a narrow (25-22) defeat.
In SA last season Connacht lost to the Stormers (38-15) and the Bulls (28-14) whilst in Galway they beat the Sharks (24-12) and the Lions (43-24). They went onto to reach the play offs and made it all the way to the semi finals where another clash with the Stormers saw them beaten 43-25.
Connacht will take on the Bulls in their second tour match of several absentees in the touring squad Bundee Aki is the most notable name.
In the outright betting Connacht are 37/1 shots to win the tournament with BoyleSports
Team News
Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Francois Venter (captain), 11 Aphiwe Dyantyi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Cameron Wright, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Phendulani Buthelezi, 6 James Venter, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Dylan Richardson, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Replacements: 16 Daniel Jooste, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Jeandre Labuschagne, 20 Tinotenda Mavesere, 21 Zee Mkhabela, 22 Boeta Chamberlain, 23 Rohan Janse van Rensburg
Connacht: 15 Tiernan O’Halloran, 14 Byron Ralston, 13 Tom Farrell, 12 Cathal Forde, 11 Andrew Smith, 10 JJ Hanrahan, 9 Colm Reilly, 8 Sean O’Brien, 7 Conor Oliver (captain), 6 Cian Prendergast, 5 Joe Joyce, 4 Oisín Dowling, 3 Finlay Bealham, 2 Tadgh McElroy, 1 Denis Buckle.
Replacements: 16 Dave Heffernan, 17 Peter Dooley, 18 Dominic Robertson-McCoy, 19 Darragh Murray, 20 Shamus Hurley-Langton, 21 Caolin Blade, 22 David Hawkshaw, 23 John Porch
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The Betting,
Sharks -7.5 points at 9/10
Connacht +7.5 points at 9/10
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
Betting Angle
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I am taking a rare weekend away with the wife and so am getting my preview pick up early for this one.
This game is very much where I handicapped it and for the 3rd successive game I am turning to the points lines. It looks like being a clear evening but Durban at this time of year very seldom escapes the humidity and forecasts I have seen suggest it will be around the 80/90% levels.
I think the Sharks will improve and can keep their opponents to under 19 points
Stay close to our forum thread for more bets
BET: 4 units Connacht under 19.5 points at 17/20 at Pokerbet*
*Pokerbet are generally 1st to market with rugby points lines – click here to open an account
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
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