By Peter Ryan – @PeterRyanSports
We have an action-packed rugby weekend to look forward to over the coming days as the Champions Cup gets underway.
After the action wraps up at The Rec on Friday night, attention will turn to Durban as the Exeter Chiefs travel to South Africa to take on the Hollywoodbet Sharks.
Rob Baxter’s side has a tough challenge ahead of them as they prepare to take on the South African team. It looks like a fascinating contest with many intriguing betting options.
The Sharks
After a disappointing season last year, the Sharks only qualified for this competition through a strong Challenge Cup campaign.
The Sharks look to be a much-improved side, as they currently sit sixth in the URC and will aim to perform strongly in that competition later in the season.
What illustrates their improvement most clearly is the number of points they have scored this year compared to the previous season.
On average, the South African side has scored 28 points per game since the start of the season; compared to last year’s 19, it is clear to see the significant difference.
Their ability to win collisions has been a real positive for the side, as they lead the URC with 21 dominant carries and an average of 126 post-contact metres.
There are many sensational talents within their ranks. The first player that comes to mind is Siya Kolisi, whose leadership and skill on the pitch are crucial to the team’s success in this competition.
In the front row, Ox Nche is arguably the best prop in the game today and makes his physical presence known every time he is on the field.
In the backline, Makazole Mapimpi is an electrifying winger with an undeniable nose for the try line. The Sharks will feel confident about beginning their Champions Cup campaign strongly and will aim to put on a dominant display against Exeter.
Exeter Chiefs
It is safe to say that the Chiefs have seen better days, as the English club is yet to secure a victory in the Gallagher Premiership.
However, the young side will take a lot of confidence from a resilient showing against league leaders Bath at The Rec last time out.
From the perspective of a statistician, Exeter’s numbers don’t look great, with only 139 points and 18 tries to their name. It will take a massive shift from the Chiefs to pull off an enormous upset in Durban.
Baxter will need all his key players to step up if they want to put in a good showing in South Africa.
A name that stands out on the team sheet is Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, a phenomenal winger who can deliver moments of magic in an instant.
His blend of strength, size, and physicality makes him a real handful for any defence. At blindside flanker, Ethan Roots will be looking to impact the game and put on a solid display against South African opposition.
There is a lot of firepower available on the bench, with Christ Tshiunza and Ross Vintcent will be looking to influence the contest when they enter the fray.
Exeter face a daunting challenge this weekend, but they will aim to shock the rugby world and kick-start their campaign with a win.
The Bets
There are some intriguing betting options to consider for this game. The best bet is for the Sharks to win by more than 15 points.
Looking at the quality of the squads and the fact that Exeter are resting key players like Henry Slade, it suggests a big win for the Sharks could be on the cards.
Sticking with the idea of a handicap, the Sharks to win by more than 17 points could be a valuable option, as it looks like a comfortable win for the South African club.
For those who like a long shot, the Sharks to win by more than 29 points is an intriguing possibility, as the home side will be looking to put on a show in front of their fans.
Best Bet: The Sharks to win by more than 15 – 8/15
Value Bet: The Sharks to win by more than 17 – 10/11
Longshot Bet: The Sharks to win by more than 29 – 4/1
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