Cardiff Blues vs Sharks Preview & Tips - Visitors backed to get close in Cardiff

By Ralph Staniforth

Ralph is a passoniate sports journalist and coach based in Cape Town.

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Cardiff Blues vs Sharks predictions for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship fixture
Match is being played at 19:35 BST at Cardiff Arms Park
Can the Sharks upset the odds for the second week running?
Preview, tips, stats & team news

Sharks can get their second win in a row on Saturday (Getty Images)

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Cardiff Blues vs Sharks Preview & Tips

The Cardiff Blues have lost their last two matches while the Sharks were very strong in beating Ospreys last weekend. I am backing the visitors to finish within six points in this match.

Cardiff Blues vs Sharks Preview & Tips
Head to Head
Cardiff Blues Form
Cardiff Blues Team News
Sharks Form
Sharks Team News
Cardiff Blues vs Sharks FAQ

Cardiff Blues have lost their last 2 matches by 4 and 10 points.
Sharks won their last match.
Sharks reached the Currie Cup final prior to URC.

Head to Head

This is the first ever meeting between Cardiff Blues and the Sharks.

Cardiff Blues Form

The Cardiff Blues made a strong start to the URC but have since dropped down to ninth place. They have lost their last two matches.

After a stunning opening round 33-21 win over Connacht at home, the Blues lost a derby at Ospreys 18-14. The contest was as one would expect in a derby but much they let crucial moments slip during the game.

Last weekend the Cardiff Blues looked to get their season back on track at home against the winless Bulls. They were well on their way to achieving that by half time, leading 16-3.

Things however fell apart in the second half as the Bulls ramped up the intensity. A flurry of points followed for the South Africans and errors slipped into Cardiff’s side. In the end they suffered a 29-19 home defeat.

Cardiff Blues Team News

The Blues won’t be looking to make any dramatic changes to their side following defeat last week. I expect a similar lineup this time around.

Sharks Form

The Sharks have bounced back well after a tough start to the United Rugby Championship. Like the other South African sides, the Sharks have taken some time to acclimatise to European conditions and officiating, but they came good last weekend.

On the opening weekend the Durban-based outfit lost 42-17 at Munster before going down 35-24 in Glasgow. Last week however saw a dramatic turnaround in form.

The Ospreys were in good form coming into the match but the Sharks matched them in every aspect, and then bettered them in the second half. The 27-13 win was well deserved on the night with flyhalf Boeta Chamberlain putting in a brilliant performance which included three drop goals.

Sharks Team News

Curwin Bosch returns to fullback this weekend as Anthony Volmink moves to the wing. Competitive outside back, Werner Kok gets a deserved rest but will feature off the bench at some point.

Cardiff Blues vs Sharks FAQ

Where can I watch Cardiff Blues vs Sharks live stream?

Check our live streaming calendar to see where to watch Cardiff Blues vs Sharks live stream.

Verdict

Cardiff v Sharks

The Sharks come into this match full of confidence while the Blues have lost their last two. I am backing the Sharks to get within six points and perhaps cause an upset.

Sharks +6 Handicap

Handicap

@1/1 - 3 Units

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Sharks Win

Full Time Result

@21/10 - 1 Unit

Bet £10 Get £50

Use the bet365 Bonus Code NEWBONUS. Bet £10 & Get £50 in Free Bets for new customers at bet365. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. The bonus code NEWBONUS can be used during registration, but does not change the offer amount of the offer. 18+ begambleaware.org

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