Expert
Sharks
11
Match Complete
Stormers
16
65 | S. Marais | |||
R. D. Preez | 50 | |||
L. Am | 41 | |||
37 | S. Marais | |||
28 | S. Marais | |||
R. D. Preez | 14 | |||
4 | S. Marais | |||
3 | D. Willemse |
1 | Tries | 1 | ||
0 | Conversions | 1 | ||
2 | Penalty Goals | 3 | ||
0 | Field Goals | 0 |
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The Sharks have been one of the surprise packets to open the new Super Rugby season, but they will get their first real test when they take on a strong-looking Stormers outfit in Durban. Join The Roar for live scores from 2:15am (AEDT).
The Durban-based outfit have gone two for two to start the season, and while it was against the Sunwolves and Blues, the fact they have racked up the points and kept an improved Blues outfit at bay on the back of a long trip is positive for the franchise.
The Sharks put 45 points on the Sunwovles in their opening clash of the season, running in plenty of tries and putting the pressure on their opponents from the word go.
They followed up that impressive outing by putting 26 points on the Blues last week, with their defence again strong in what was a convincing win.
While the Sunwolves and Blues were right down the bottom of the table last year, both have made positive starts to 2019 and the Sharks winning against both can only hand the franchise a chunk of momentum moving forward.
On the other side of the dice, it’s been really tough to get a read on the Stormers, who are one and one to kick things off in the new season.
The Stormers lost their opener to the Bulls in convincing fashion, conceding 40 points in the contest.
While that left them at the bottom of the table and in a bad spot, their second game brought about a victory over the Lions, who topped the South African conference and made the grand final in 2018.
If they can play and defend in particular as they did in that game, there is no reason why they can’t get up again, but their two performances so far have been so contrasting, it’s hard to get a read on which side will turn up on the road.
Prediction
The Sharks have looked strong so far, despite their opposition. After spending a week at home though, then playing an up and down Stormers outfit, I expect them to win an entertaining, potentially high-scoring affair.
Sharks by 5.
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