The Hollywoodbets Sharks will be out for revenge in their URC rematch with the Lions at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday as they look to wrap up the SA Shield for the first time.
Saturday 8 March
Hollywoodbets Sharks | Draw | Lions
Handicap Hollywoodbets Sharks | Lions
In Johannesburg last week, the Lions pummelled the men in black and white 38-14, with the Sharks’ only points coming in the last four-minutes of play. In the aftermath of that result, coach John Plumtree expressed sincere bewilderment, reiterating just how unexpected his team’s performance was on the day, particularly after their heroic victory over the Bulls a fortnight beforehand.
Although the Sharks will have a much better idea of what to expect this weekend, their continued issues with ill-discipline must be resolved seeing as they’ve picked up five yellow cards in their last two outings. With the SA Shield title on the line, this aspect of their game will surely be shored up as they look to combat their opponents’ high-octane playing style, spearheaded by their tireless loose trio.
The hosts currently occupy third on the SA Shield log with 14-points, with the Stormers ahead on 18, courtesy of their win over the Bulls a week ago. A bonus point victory would be enough for the Sharks, whose points difference is 21 fewer than the Capetonians. On the overall standings, the Pride are just one-point and one place back of the top eight, with the Durbanites sitting fourth and trailing the Bulls by seven-points.
If the Sharks’ pack can front up, and the likes of Siya Masuku and Jordan Hendrikse ensure the game is played in the right areas, there’s no reason why the side can’t make amends for the hiding they copped last time out.
In a triple blow for the Lions, Quan Horn, Henco van Wyk and Etienne Oosthuizen have all been ruled out of the trip to the east coast. With trips to Cardiff and defending champions Glasgow still to come, it is perhaps for the best in the grand scheme, though their absences will certainly be felt against what will be a hungry and hurting Sharks outfit.
Verdict: Hollywoodbets Sharks on the board
They may not have enough to get a bonus point win, but the Sharks should be good enough to get the revenge job done in the Durban humidity.
