Rugby
Sale Sharks vs Hollywoodbets Sharks Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Venue: AJ Bell Stadium Kickoff Time: 18:30 (CAT Time) SportsBoom brings the Investec Champions Cup clash between the Sale Sharks and the Hollywoodbets Sharks under a microscope. For both of these teams, qualification is still not entirely out of the question, and so that only adds to the intensity of this clash. The hosts have been good at home this season, using their powerful pack to good measure and controlling games from set pieces. They face a Sharks side from Durban who look to have a new lease on life under their new coach, JP Pietersen. The margin for error here is going to be minuscule, but neither side will likely come into the encounter cagey. Expect an absolute cracker here. For both fans and betting enthusiasts, we suggest you take your bets early and only with reputable online betting platforms.
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Tom O'Flaherty celebrates / Getty Images
Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability
Sale Sharks: 8/11 (1.73) – 57.8%
Hollywoodbets Sharks: 11/8 (2.38) – 42%
Head-To-Head Record
Date Match Result
- 16/12/23 Sharks vs Sale 20-10
- 14/01/23 Sale vs Sharks 24-20
- 18/12/22 Sharks vs Sale 19-17
- 21/01/12 Sale vs Sharks 22-18
- 14/01/12 Sharks vs Sale 30-27
Sale Sharks Current Form – LLWLW
The hosts haven’t had it all their own way this season, but they have managed to register positive performances in front of their home crowd. Having won just twice in their last five encounters (in all competitions), they will want to find a degree of confidence in Saturday’s performance.
Throughout the Champions Cup, they have been a side totally committed to good discipline on defence and winning the territory battle.
They will know the sort of side they will have to face here when the Sharks are in town, and if the weather is, in fact, wet and rainy (as per early indications), that will only favour the hosts even more.
For Sale, the focus here will no doubt be converting attacking possessions into points. Something they haven’t always gotten right this season.
Key Players to Watch
- Tom Curry
The English flanker is often right in the thick of it. His presence at the breakdown and relentless work rate will be a massive factor in this encounter. Keep an eye on him here. - George Ford
His game management, particularly from a kicking and tempo perspective, is arguably one of the most underrated in the tournament. These traits are even more valuable in winter weather, so expect a big showing from him here. - Bevan Rodd
His work at scrum time this season has often earned him many plaudits. His battle with the Sharks’ front row will be good to watch – and whoever gets the upper hand early might provide the winning edge for their side.
Hollywoodbets Sharks Current Form – WLLWW
As we mentioned earlier, the Sharks have simply become a new-look side with the same players. JP Pietersen has arguably done an outstanding job at galvanizing the talent available to this proud rugby franchise and, in his own words, wants to “restore pride in the jersey”.
As is so often the case in sport, a side that is able to regain their confidence is often able to go on and achieve exceptional performances. There is no question around the individual brilliance at the Sharks; the only cause for concern was whether they would be able to gel appropriately.
They have forwards who dominate on a global stage and a backline with excitable skill, energy, and physicality. The visitors will be hoping to remain relevant in the game during the early exchanges, as they have the ability to clinch it late on.
Key Players to Watch
- Siya Kolisi
His leadership and physicality are always going to be major components of the efforts of this side, and even though they are losing him at the end of the season, he will no doubt give everything for as long as he is still there. - Grant Williams
His tempo and sniping ability are simply second to none. For many, he is a player better suited to coming off the bench, but his ability and flair justify his selection for us. Keep an eye on the exciting number nine here. - Jordan Hendrikse
Although he has had to fight for his place in this team, his ability at fly half cannot be denied. He is a player for the big moments, and given how likely this encounter is to become a kicking contest, it would be a surprise to see him left out here.
A physical and intelligent number ten is not something teams would take for granted – and nor should they.
Suggested Bet
Here are our best bets and betting suggestions for the upcoming Champions Cup clash.
Sale Sharks Win: The hosts are likely to edge this contest. The conditions will no doubt suit their ability, and the tactical control they hold earns them the win here. Back then, at a reasonable 8/11 with Betway.
Sale Sharks (-4.5 Handicap): We expect the hosts to build earlier scoreboard pressure and systematically nudge their opponents out of the contest. Playing in trying weather and difficult environments will make a big comeback much harder, and so we are backing the hosts to overcome the -4.5 handicap. 1.90 with YesPlay.
Value Bet
First Try Scorer of the Match (Tom Roebuck): The hosts often target wide channels to make the most of the space left there. It’s a long shot bet for sure, but backing the wide option to cross the whitewash first will yield an incredible result. 9/1 (9.0) with Supabets.
Prediction: Sale Sharks to Win
This is likely to be a truly tactical encounter; neither side can afford to lose the game, and both of them are able to dismantle their opponents phase after phase.
For us, backing the hosts to earn a win in front of their home side, in difficult (and truly English) conditions, makes the most sense.
The physical battle will be closely contested, but the winner of the territory and kicking game earns the win here.
A quirky writer with an engaging tone, Ryan Liberty has seen his work published on many of South Africa’s sport’s publications. Ryan has a great passion for everything in the sporting world, from darts to football, motorsport and everything in between. His conversational flair allows him to bring diverse sporting topics to both the avid sports fan as well as the relaxed reader.
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