Sharks vs Edinburgh Rugby Prediction & Betting Tips - Challenge Cup

Prediction published on 12/04/2024, 06:55  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 12/04/2024 at 07:53 in Challenge Cup Predictions

The Hollywoodbets Sharks will welcome Edinburgh to Kings Park Stadium for a quarter-final showdown in the EPCR Challenge Cup on Saturday afternoon. As top seeds, the Sharks are in excellent form, with their convincing 47-3 victory over Zebre last weekend extending their winning streak to three matches. Interestingly, these two teams recently faced off in the URC, providing a preview of what could be expected in the last eighth of the EPCR Challenge Cup. Despite some missed opportunities in their previous encounter, particularly in the points department, the Sharks remain grounded and focused. In their last match against Edinburgh, they were vastly superior in the forward and territory battles, delivering a dominant performance that deserved a more decisive outcome than the 23-13 scoreline. With a formidable tight five, bolstered by a Bok front row, the Sharks are riding high on momentum and are poised to secure another victory on Saturday.

Edinburgh, rebounding from their recent defeat against the Sharks with a solid 33-15 victory over Bayonne last weekend, boasts their own South African firepower with Pierre Schoeman and WP Nel in the forward pack, alongside Duane van der Merwe on the wing. However, they may lack the sheer physicality of the Sharks, which gives John Plumtree's side an edge heading into the final eight. Despite their recent loss to the Sharks, Edinburgh draws confidence from their recent triumph over Bayonne, where they showcased improved attacking cohesion compared to their struggles during the post-Six Nations tour of South Africa. With Schoeman returning to the starting lineup, Edinburgh will benefit from having players in their ranks who are familiar with the conditions and tactics of the Durban side but will need to be at their absolute best to overcome the Sharks at the Shark Tank.