Sharks vs British & Irish Lions Preview & Tips - Tourists tipped in handicap market

The British & Irish Lions have looked extremely good in their last two matches. They should have too much for the Sharks in Johannesburg.

The British & Irish Lions and Sharks have only met once before. That was on the Lions 2009 to South Africa. In that meeting the tourists were comfortable 39-3 winners at Kings Park.

The Sharks have been in decent form and recently got their 2021 Currie Cup campaign underway. They have won one and lost one of their matches.

On the opening week the Sharks were too good for Griquas who they beat 30-16 in Kimberley. In a cracking second match the Sharks came up just short in a 32-31 defeat to Western Province at the Cape Town Stadium.

The Sharks have some exciting players that the Lions will have to keep a close eye on. It is up front though where the Sharks will have to match the tourists physically if they are to compete over 80 minutes.

Head coach Sean Everitt has only made one change from the Sharks team that lost to Western Province. Phepsi Buthelezi returns to the lineup after suffering from mild concussion. Mpilo Gumede shifts out of the lineup.

The British & Irish Lions have start their tour of South Africa well. Prior to leaving they beat Japan 28-10 at Murrayfield.

Last weekend the tourists faced the local Lions franchise, comfortably winning 56-14. This week the B+I Lions face the Sharks, another local franchise.

While these games are focused on getting players game-time and testing combinations, the Lions have settled in quite well. Warren Gatland has been on two previous tours as head coach for the Lions and it is starting to show.

Warren Gatland has again made a number of changes as he looks to give everyone an opportunity on tour. Josh Navidi, Adam Beard and Tom Curry will make their B+I Lions debut.

Tour captain, Conor Murray is on the bench while Gareth Davies and Dan Biggar are the halfback pairing.