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Sharks vs Leinster Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction

Venue: King Park Stadium Kickoff Time: 17:15 (UK Time) The Sharks host Leinster on Saturday, 29 March at Kings Park in Durban. The team selection of the hosts will be interesting here, after losing to the Bulls in Pretoria, but without their Irish internationals – they don’t seem to carry the same threat without their internationals. For those looking at odds and insights ahead of the clash, top-rated rugby betting sites offer markets on this highly anticipated showdown

Ryan Liberty
Ryan Liberty

Last Updated: 2025-03-26

Chad Nagel

5 minutes read

Makazole Mapimpi celebrates with Ethan Hooker

Makazole Mapimpi celebrates with Ethan Hooker//Getty Images

Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability

The Sharks strong home form (and the fact that Leinster are likely to field a side without their internationals) are reflected in online betting prices ahead of the weekend clash.

  1. Sharks: 1/3 (1.32) – 75.8%

  2. Leinster: 5/2 (3.50) – 28.6%

Head-To-Head Record

Last three meetings 

  1. 28/10/2023: Leinster 34–13 Sharks

  2. 06/05/2023: Leinster 35-5 Sharks 

  3. 08/10/2022: Leinster 17–15 Sharks

Leinster Current Form – LWWWW

Leinster is relatively comfortable at the summit of the United Rugby Championship table, but their assistant coach (Jacques Nienaber) has reminded the media that his side cannot afford to rest on their proverbial laurels. 

Facing defeat in Pretoria, they now travel to Durban to face another side riddled with quality and Springbok internationals. It will be interesting to see the team selection Leinster opt to go with – knowing they face a Sharks side hunting for home playoff fixtures.

Key Players to Watch

  • Ross Byrne: A consistent and incredibly accurate kicker, Byrne has been incredible for Leinster. Last time out against the Bulls, the flyhalf was able to keep the scoreboard ticking over even whilst his side struggled to put together consistent waves of attack.
  • Jamie Osborne: A versatile and reliable option available to the Leinster backline. He is a player who has seemingly regained his best form and ability now that his contract has been confirmed with Leinster. Expect another good showing from him here.
  • Luke McGrath: His leadership and game management have divided Leinster fans, but he is a half-back with so much more to offer than just simply keeping the game ticking over. His attacking ability aids in the Leinster threat and they will hope he is able to reach his best again in Durban.

Sharks Current Form – WWLWW

The Sharks have enjoyed a really positive season so far in the URC. Winning the South African shield and seeing themselves placed well to host playoff encounters, they won’t take this Leinster side for granted – even if they are without their Irish internationals. 

Coach John Plumtree has noted that his side cannot afford to start slowly against their guests, adding that his team selection will reflect the fact that they are still a threat from almost everywhere on the pitch. 

Siya Kolisi will likely lead the line once again, but given the welcomed return of Makazole Mapimpi – this Sharks outfit hold enough heavy machinery of their own.

Key Players to Watch

  • Makazole Mapimpi: A highly experienced players with blistering pace and an incredible finishing ability – Mapimpi’s return to this Sharks side will only further increase their attacking threat. A side who has become more and more confident with their attacking weapons now has the option of unleashing one of the most prolific finishers in South Africa. 
  • Vincent Tshituka: A forward who has quickly become a major player for the Sharks. He is a powerful ball carrier, a defensive workhorse and a loose forward who has enjoyed playing a pivotal role for the Sharks in open play as well as set pieces. Expect another powerful performance on Saturday evening.
  • Bongi Mbonambi: The Sharks hooker is arguably among the best in the world. His scrummaging, leadership and powerful contributions have largely seen him enjoy an incredible season in Durban. He will be important at the breakdown here and play a crucial role in ensuring that his side hold on to the upper hand here.

Suggested Bets

Our suggested bets for those who wants to bet on rugby are listed below.

  1. Sharks (Win): The hosts have a good record in Durban and will enjoy playing a Leinster side who have struggled in recent visits to South Africa. Expect to see a big performance from the hosts – one which don’t allow their visitors to get into the game. 

  2. Over 50.5 Points: Two of the most prolific attacking sides in the URC at the moment go head-to-head. There is no doubt in our minds that this game sees a haul of points put on the scoreboard.

Value Bets

For those punters looking for a bit more bang for their buck!

  1. Ethan Hooker (Anytime Try Scorer): Hooker has enjoyed a breakout season at the Sharks. His favoured position is through the centre and given that he is set to return to the midfield here – we are backing him to cross the chalked line for the hosts.

  2. Sharks (-7.5): It is a bit of a risky bet considering their opponents, but the attacking threat the Sharks carry shouldn’t be underestimated. Back a statement win here.

Prediction: Sharks to Win

A lot has been spoken about the Sharks coming up against a Leinster side who will likely be without many internationals for their trip to Durban. Yes, they are sitting pretty at the summit of the league table, but Leinster cannot afford to become too relaxed. 

For the hosts, the prize of securing home playoff games is a reality this season and that will likely drive a big performance here. Back the home win.

Ryan Liberty
Ryan LibertySports Writer

A quirky writer with an engaging tone, Ryan Liberty has seen his work published on many of South Africa’s sport’s publications. Ryan has a great passion for everything in the sporting world, from darts to football, motorsport and everything in between. His conversational flair allows him to bring diverse sporting topics to both the avid sports fan as well as the relaxed reader.

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