Sharks vs Leinster Preview
Table toppers Leinster travel to Durban to face the Sharks on March 29th at 5:15 pm. Leo Cullen’s men look to bounce back from their first defeat of the season against the Vodacom Bulls. The Sharks are eager to prove their worth after a nervy game against Zebre last week.
Leinster have already confirmed their position in the knockout stages and have been one of the best teams in Europe this season. Can they get back to winning ways in South Africa, or will the Sharks make it back-to-back losses for the league leaders?
Sharks vs Leinster Predictions
Score Prediction: Sharks 34-28 Leinster
Starting our list of rugby predictions this week is for the Sharks to build on their strong league position with a win over Leinster on Saturday. This is a tough game to call, mainly because we don’t know what team Leinster will field. They have already qualified for the top eight, but their assistant coach, Jacques Nienaber, told the media he doesn’t want the Dubliners to rest on their laurels.
However, they have sent some key players home to prepare for their Champions Cup game next weekend. They showed their humanity in losing last week and the Sharks can take advantage of a Leinster side that will be missing some of the best Irish rugby players on Saturday.
The Sharks’ forward pack has been one of their most formidable assets this season. With players like Bongi Mbonambi and Siya Kolisi, the Sharks possess significant power in the scrums and at the breakdowns. Leinster, while an excellent side in terms of technical expertise and rugby intelligence, has struggled against teams that bring relentless physicality and power in the pack. If the Sharks can dominate the set pieces, they will put pressure on Leinster’s structured play and disrupt their flow.
The key to the Sharks’ success will be their ability to exert pressure on Leinster’s forward pack, forcing them to retreat and providing opportunities for their backs to exploit gaps. With dynamic players like Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth, the Sharks will look to maintain strong momentum at the breakdown and make inroads into Leinster’s defensive lines with direct, aggressive runs.
The Sharks have shown defensive frailties this season, despite their position in the league. Only the Dragons, who sit bottom of the table, have allowed more points than the South African side this term. Leinster have one of the most potent attacks in the league and the best defence. The Sharks must improve in that area, or Leinster could carve them open.
One of Leinster’s major strengths is their ability to shift the ball quickly across the field, creating overlaps and exploiting defensive weaknesses. Their offloading game is fluid, and they will look to maintain quick ball movement to tire the Sharks’ defenders. The backs, particularly in the wide channels, will be crucial for exploiting any space that may appear in the Sharks’ defensive line.
While Leinster’s pedigree in the United Rugby Championship cannot be underestimated, the Sharks are well-positioned to secure a win. Their blend of power, tactical kicking, and physicality at the breakdowns will stifle Leinster’s attacking game. Plus, their depth and leadership will give them the edge in what is likely to be a bruising encounter. If the Sharks execute their game plan with precision, they have all the tools needed to defeat Leinster.
Players To Watch
- Siya Kolisi (Loose Forward, Sharks): Siya Kolisi will be key to the Sharks’ physical game. His leadership and tackling ability will be critical in the breakdowns, where the Sharks will try to gain an advantage over Leinster. Kolisi’s ability to disrupt the opposition’s play and lead the Sharks’ defence will be vital, especially when dealing with the pace and fluidity of Leinster’s back line. If Kolisi can inspire his forwards to win key battles, the Sharks will be in with a chance.
- Max Deegan (Number 8, Leinster): As a dynamic and powerful back-row forward, Deegan brings relentless energy to the field. His ability to break tackles, carry the ball effectively, and make crucial tackles in defensive situations will be pivotal against a strong Sharks forward pack. His versatility also allows him to be effective in multiple aspects of the game. He can carry in attack, defend in tight spaces, or compete at the breakdown.
Sharks vs Leinster Betting Tips
- Match Result – Sharks to win: The Sharks are the favourites to win this game with our online betting site. The Durbanites have put themselves in a dominant position heading into the business end of the regular season and can claim a big scalp here. Leinster will have a weaker team than usual, and we are backing the Sharks to win. However, Leinster are league leaders and must not be underestimated. They are worth 14/5 for anyone betting on the URC.
- Handicap – Leinster +10.5: The Sharks should win this game, but their defence is still shaky. Only one team in the league has allowed more points, and Leinster can get forward and break lines consistently. The Sharks have not covered a ten-point spread in three of their previous four games. Bet on Leinster to cover at +10.5.
- Winning Margin – Sharks by 1-7: The Sharks have an excellent attack, but their defence has some holes. That has meant we’ve seen some tight games despite their standing in the table. They barely scraped by Zebre at home in their last game, and even with a depleted starting lineup, this Leinster side is stronger. The Sharks should win, but it won’t be plain sailing. The Durbanites to win by 1-7 points is worth 14/5 in the rugby union markets and we can see this wager being a winner.
Sharks vs Leinster Head-To-Head and Key Stats
These sides last met in October 2023 in Round Two of the URC. The Dubliners took home the win at home in a 34-13 mauling. Max Deegan and Jordan Larmour scored first-half tries to give Leinster a 12-6 lead. Rob Russell and Tommy O’Brien added further tries for the hosts, with Russell also cancelling Dylan Richardson’s late consolation for the Sharks. The Sharks suffered a blow when flanker Vincent Tshituka went off injured.
After the break, Leinster took control, with Russell scoring a brace, including a try following a clever pass from Foley. O’Brien added a bonus-point try in the 65th minute. Despite a late try from Richardson, Leinster sealed the victory, with Russell completing his brace after a knock-on from the Sharks.
Leinster were last in action on March 22nd. The Bulls ended their 12-match unbeaten run in the URC with a dramatic 21-20 victory in Pretoria. Despite being reduced to 14 men late in the game, the Bulls clinched the win with a last-minute penalty from David Kriel. Leinster took an early lead with a try from Jordie Barrett, converted by Ross Byrne, while Keagan Johannes’ penalty kept the Bulls in touch. The Bulls’ task became harder when prop Alulutho Tshakweni was sin-binned, and Leinster led 10-6 at halftime.
After the break, Andrew Osborne crossed for Leinster and Byrne converted. The Bulls responded with a penalty try and a maul try from Johan Grobbelaar to take the lead, but Kriel’s conversion hit the post. The game turned when Sebastian de Klerk was sent off for a reckless tackle, allowing Byrne to put Leinster ahead with a penalty. However, a collapsed Leinster scrum in the dying seconds saw Kriel secure the victory with a winning penalty.
The Sharks were last in action on March 22nd, welcoming Zebre to Kings Park Stadium. The Sharks secured a dramatic 35-34 victory over Zebre in a thrilling nine-try contest. Despite a chaotic and scrappy game from the Italian side, the Sharks managed to edge past their opponents with a late try from Ethan Hooker, converted by Jordan Hendrikse in the final minutes.
The Sharks started strong with an early penalty try and a second from Jurenzo Julius, leading 14-0. Zebre responded with tries from Alessandro and Ferrari, levelling the score. A yellow card for Makazole Mapimpi helped Zebre take a brief 17-14 lead. The Sharks regained control with Kolisi’s try and a penalty try from Vincent Koch, going into halftime 28-17 ahead. Zebre capitalised on Sharks’ errors in the second half, with Geronimo Prisciantelli scoring twice, giving them a 34-28 lead. However, the Sharks’ forwards powered back, with Hooker scoring the decisive try, and Hendrikse’s conversion sealing the one-point win.
Sharks Key Stats
The Sharks are at the top of the URC for a reason; they have been incredibly difficult to beat at home. The South African side has put teams to the test and often come away with the spoils. However, their defence has often let them down, and that is something the league leaders can capitalise on.
- Undefeated at home in the URC this season
- 348 Points Scored (3rd highest in URC)
- 343 Points Against (2nd highest in URC)
- 62 kicks retained this season (1st in the URC)
- Jordan Hendrikse is the joint-leading points scorer in the URC (101)
- Siya Kolisi is the joint-second highest try scorer in the URC (7)
Leinster Key Stats
Leinster have been the best team in the URC by a wide margin this season. Their defensive record has has frustrated teams up and down the league. Leo Cullen’s team have held up their end of the bargain on the other side of the ball too, boasting one of the best attacks in the league.
- Lost just one of 13 URC games this season
- 187 Points Against (Lowest in URC)
- 380 Points Scored (2nd highest in URC)
- Ross Byrne is the fourth-highest points scorer in the URC (71)
- Andrew Osborne is the joint-eighth highest try scorer in the URC (5)
Sharks Starting Lineup
The Sharks have announced their starting lineup for this Leinster test. There are just two personnel and position changes from the victory over Zebre. James Venter and Andre Esterhuizen earned starting spots after coming on as substitutes last week. Venter replaces Phepsi Buthelezi, while Esterhuizen is included in a reshuffled backline that sees Ethan Hooker move from centre to wing. Yaw Penxe replaces the injured Henry Immelman at fullback.
Starting Lineup: Nche, Mbonambi, Koch, Jenkins, van Heerden, Venter, Tshituka, Kolisi, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Mapimpi, Esterhuizen, Julius, Hooker and Penxe.
Leinster Starting Lineup
Leinster have overhauled their starting lineup this week in preparation for the Champions Cup game against Toulon. Academy player Fintan Gunne is set to make his first start for the Dubliners. Max Deegan will be captain in Durban, replacing the rested Caelan Doris.
Starting Lineup: Healy, McKee, Clarkson, Mangan, Deeny, Soroka, Connors, Deegan, Gunne, Frawley, Osborne, Tector, Turner, T. O’Brien and J. O’Brien.
