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The Sharks had no troubles when they hosted the Kings in Durban, taking an easy 53-0 win and a bonus point to boot.
Final score
Sharks 53
Kings 0
The Sharks face the Kings in a must-win game for the hosts if they are to consolidate their position in the top eight. Join The Roar from 1:10am (AEST) for live commentary and scores.
The Bulls sit only two points behind the Sharks in fourth position and, luxuriously, have a game in hand. With only four points separating the top four South African teams, it would be most beneficial for the Sharks if they also came away with a bonus point.
Both teams have made mass changes to their sides, with Sharks coach Gary Gold and Kings coach Deon Davids making seven changes each.
Gold has re-introduced scrumhalf Michael Claassens, flanker Jean-Luc du Preez, lock Ettienne Oosthuizen and a brand-new front row of Dale Chadwick, Chiliboy Ralepelle and Lourens Adriaanse into the starting XV. Winger Lwazi Mvovo also joins the starting line-up at the expense of Springbok Odwa Ndungane.
For the Kings, Davids has given Louis Fouche another shot at the starting flyhalf, opting for the 26-year-old former Bull over recent regular Elgar Watts.
Lock Steven Sykes returns to captain the side, while Ntando Kebe, Stefan Willemse and Schalk Ferreira will all start. In a huge blow for the visitors, influential hooker Edgard Marutlulle will sit this game out with the flu, making their task even more difficult.
One of the greatest strengths of the Sharks is their defence. They have averaged the second-most tackles per game of any team in the competition, 127, but in doing so have also possessed the third-best tackle success rate (86 per cent).
In comparison, the Kings have struggled on the defensive end and have lost their last three games, conceding an average of 47 points. To make matters worse, they have also lost their last three meetings between the two sides by a cumulative score of 122-33.
Prediction
Unfortunately for the Kings, the Sharks will be too strong.
Sharks by 21.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.