Sharks vs Section Paloise Prediction & Betting Tips - Challenge Cup

Prediction published on 07/12/2023, 12:55  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 08/12/2023 at 12:32 in Challenge Cup Predictions

The Sharks will kick off their 2023-24 EPCR Challenge Cup campaign against Pau in Durban on Saturday afternoon. The Challenge Cup marks new territory for the Sharks, who participated in the Champions Cup last year. However, the Durbanites have seen a drop off in recent times and will be looking to make an impact in this competition as they work their way back to their best. This competition could also serve as a much-needed boost for the Sharks, considering their significant struggles in the United Rugby Championship. Last weekend, they suffered a 44-10 defeat in a derby against the Bulls, bringing their record to just one win and six defeats for the season. Their lone victory was a dominant 69-14 performance at home against the Dragons, whereas an earlier home game saw them narrowly losing 13-12 to Connacht. Hosting a Pau side currently occupying the fourth spot in the Top 14 won't be a straightforward task. However, the Sharks can leverage the presence of their Springbok players and the humid conditions in Durban to their advantage.

Pau have been performing admirably of late, boasting a record of six wins and three defeats, securing them fourth spot in the Top 14. They trail log leaders Racing 92 by just 2 points. In the previous season of this competition, Section Paloise faced South African opponents in the form of the Cheetahs, who defeated them twice with a 21-16 victory in Pau and a 9-6 win in a match held in Parma. Their overall performance included winning only one of their four matches, leading to their failure to progress to the Round of 16. However, while Thomas Domingo's team have shown impressive form domestically, they are expected to field a young side for their venture to the Southern Hemisphere. The formidable power and class of the Sharks' pack could pose a challenge that might be difficult for them to counter.