Sharks are carrying good form into this round of the Currie Cup and at home I am backing them to cover against the Lions who have struggled over the last couple of weeks.
Key Stats - Sharks Strong in Durban
- Sharks have won 4 consecutive home matches (Currie Cup).
- Sharks have won 3 of their last 5 games against the Lions (Currie Cup).
- Lions have lost 4 of their last 5 away fixtures (Currie Cup).
Sharks Lead H2H
The Hollywoodbets Sharks have a slight edge over the Fidelity ADT Lions, with 12 victories to ten, including one draw in 23 meetings in the Carling Currie Cup since 2013.
Sharks Four Wins in a Row at Home
The Hollywoodbets Sharks were outplayed in the second half against the Griquas last weekend, losing 55-21 away from home after trailing 26-21 at the break.
The team from Durban edged the Pumas 26-24 away from home in their opening match of the season, and lost 43-21 to the Cheetahs and 36-28 to the Stormers XXIII also on the road before beating Boland 19-12 at home.
The Sharks XV are seventh in the Carling Currie Cup standings with ten points after five rounds.
The Sharks have enjoyed a solid record against the Lions in recent meetings, and have the home-ground advantage for this match, but must win and hope other results go their way to move into contention for the season-ending semi-finals.
Lions Struggle on the Road
The Lions faced Boland at home in the Currie Cup last weekend, losing 38-29 to their opponents after leading 17-14 at half-time.
Earlier in their campaign, the Golden Lions lost 29-27 to the Cheetahs away from home in their season opener, and defeated the Pumas 52-29 and the Bulls 42-19 at home, respectively, before losing 31-19 to the Griquas away from home.
The Fidelity ADT Lions are fifth in the Carling Currie Cup table with 13 points from five matches.
The Lions have stuttered in recent outings and must beat the Sharks to get their season back on track; however, their away form is lacking, having suffered four defeats in their last five away games.
Team News
Sharks XV
Tino Mavesere, Tim Swiel, and Johan Momsen each crossed the try line once against the Griquas
Luan Giliomee landed a conversion, while Tim Swiel slotted two conversions in the match.
The team for the Hollywoodbets Sharks will be added once it has been announced.
Lions
Keagan Smith scored a brace against Boland last weekend.
Jarod Cairns and Rynhardt Jonke scored a try each.
Sam Francis slotted three conversions and a penalty in the match.
The team for the Fidelity ADT Lions will be added once it has been announced.