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Ulster vs Sharks Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction

Date: Saturday 26 April Venue: Kingspan Stadium Kickoff Time: 19:35 (UK Time) Ulster are currently in 10th place, but just three points off of a playoff spot. They will know that they need to extract maximum points from their last few games, but none of them are going to be straightforward. For those following the action closely, checking out the latest rugby betting offers could provide a great way to get more involved as the season heats up

Ryan Liberty
Ryan Liberty

Last Updated: 2025-04-23

Chad Nagel

5 minutes read

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Nick Timoney, Gerbrandt Grobler and Phepsi Buthelezi

Nick Timoney, Gerbrandt Grobler and Phepsi Buthelezi//Getty Images

For the Sharks, they are safely in fourth, but Eben Etzebeth (after their win in Edinburgh) made it clear that they will push hard for a strong finish. The higher they finish on the table, the more likely it is that they get home knockout games and that is their intention.

Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability

The South African visitors come into this game as the early favourites.

  1. Ulster: 12/10 (2.2) – 46%

Head-To-Head Record

Last three meetings 

  1. 23/03/2024: Sharks 22–12 Ulster

  2. 25/02/2023: Sharks 24-31 Ulster

  3. 20/05/2022: Ulster 24–21 Sharks 

Ulster Current Form – LLWWW

To illustrate the competitive nature of the United Rugby Championship log, Ulster were in 12th place and began to look dead and buried. They picked up five points against the Stormers and then continued their positive showing against Leinster and are now on the cusp of the playoff picture. 

They will know they need a strong showing here, but facing a Sharks side littered with Springbok players will not be an easy ask. Nevertheless, with their home ground advantage and direct playing style, they will be hopeful of a positive showing.

Key Players to Watch

  • Cormac Izuchukwu: An important player for the Ulster set piece, Cormac commands the lineouts and has been instrumental in ensuring they become a functional platform for his side. His athleticism and determination is on display each week and he is certainly a key player for the hosts.
  • James McNabney: The flanker has consistently delivered powerful performances and carries the ball with intent and physicality throughout the 80 minutes. His presence is a contributor for both their attacking and defending moments and if they want a positive showing, he will be important.
  • Nick Timoney: Timoney has become a real jackal at the breakdown. Showing incredible strength and precision to ensure his side secure possession of the ball, he disrupts opposing sequences and then links phases for his own side incredibly well.

Sharks Form – WLLWW

Although the Sharks are only likely to announce their team much later in the week, they have a squad on tour in Europe which is absolutely saturated with World Cup-winning Springbok players. 

Last week against Edinburgh, they were desperate for a positive result, and we expect much of the same here. John Plumtree has consistently alluded to the fact that his side expect to compete all the way through and they will be up for this encounter. 

Key Players to Watch

  • Grant Williams: He is a player who seemingly struggles to start, but we think it is worth mentioning him anyway. His decision-making is simply world class and the way in which he allows his side to attack with pace and direct intensity can never be understated.
  • Vincent Tshituka: A player who consistently showcases his defensive ability and prowess for the Sharks. He often leads the numbers for positive hits and dominant tackles – but his offensive ability is seemingly something many fail to mention.
  • Aphelele Fassi: He returned from injury to face Edinburgh last time out, and while he looked a little rusty in moments, he is so reliable under the high ball and earns positive field positioning for his side with the ball in hand or by way of his right boot. He will be back to his best sooner rather than later.

Suggested Bets

Looking at both teams, their recent performances and their potential starting lineups, these are our suggested bets for punters.

  1. Sharks (Win): They are favoured to win the match, but at the risk of becoming repetitive, we cannot see past the strength of this squad. 7/10 (1.7) with Betway.

  2. Sharks (-5.5): Back the Durban-based side to cover the handicap in this game. 19/10 (2.9) with Hollywoodbets.

Value Bets

For a little more value, consider these betting suggestions.

  1. Winning Margin (Sharks by 7-12): Back the visitors to come away with a good win. We just don’t think they will blow them out of the water. 1/1 (2.0) with Supabets.

  2. Under 50.5 Points: Given the requirement of the home side, we don’t think this game opens up. The Sharks have a resolute defensive system, and the hosts might not mind a cagey affair.  12/10 (2.2) with 10Bet.

Prediction: Sharks to Win

Nevertheless, back the Sharks to come away with a good win here. They have a vastly superior side who will only become better as they get more minutes under the belt. Plumtree wants to see his side dominate opposition even when they play away from home and we think we start to see that here against Ulster.

If you're backing them too, now’s a great time to take advantage of a free welcome bonus to get even more value from your bet

Ryan Liberty
Ryan LibertyBetting Writer

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.