Sharks vs Pumas Betting Tips, Predictions & Odds - Sharks backed to smash handicap

The Sharks opening their 2020 Currie Cup campaign against the Pumas at Kings Park on Friday. The hosts have won four of their last five matches while the Pumas have struggled, beating only the Griquas during Super Rugby Unlocked.

The Sharks finished fourth on the recently concluded Super Rugby Unlocked table. They won four of their six matches, lost one and got a draw in their final fixture after their match against the Stormers was called off.

The Sharks’ only defeat came at Loftus Versfeld against the Bulls who won the Super Rugby Unlocked title. Other than that 41-14 loss, the Sharks improved most weeks and will look to challenge for the 2020 Currie Cup title.

In their last competed match on 6 November, the Sharks beat the Cheetahs 19-13 in Durban. 

Springbok prop Thomas du Toit returns to the Sharks starting line-up this weekend after recovering from injury. 

Lukhanyo Am remains out injured so Jeremy Ward will continue at outside centre and as captain.

The only other injury is full-back Anthony Volmink. He is replaced by Manie Libbok.

The Pumas finished second bottom on the Super Rugby Unlocked table with their only victory coming in week two against the Griquas in Kimberly.

In the final round of Super Rugby Unlocked last weekend the Pumas lost 21-5 to the Bulls. The Pumas were fortunate that the scoreline wasn’t any bigger but the heavy rain made it far easier for them to defend.

On occasion the Pumas have impressive this season, most notably in their home 42-37 defeat to the Stormers. But a number of Pumas players have tested positive for COVID-19, and even if they are fit this weekend, those players would not have trained much recently.

There are players among the Pumas that must still undergo COVID-19 tests before their availability is confirmed. 

The Sharks lead 5-2 in their last seven matches against the Pumas. They met a few weeks ago in Super Rugby Unlocked where the Sharks won 42-19 in Nelspruit.

Sharks are priced at 1.07 to win with the Pumas paying 8.00. A draw is available at odds of 41.00 with bet365.

The handicap for the match is set at 18 points.

The Sharks gradually improved over the Super Rugby Unlocked competition and should be approaching their peak. Up front, Thomas du Toit will add power and accuracy to set pieces, an area in which the Pumas have struggled.