2025-26 United Rugby Championship Round 1 Predictions & Tips

Glasgow vs Sharks Predictions - Sharks backed in handicap market against Warriors

Simon Lewis

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Last updated: 23 Sep 2025

Simon Lewis 23 Sep 2025

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Glasgow are historically strong at home and won both prior home games vs Sharks.
Sharks are missing several star players but still feature quality talent.
Prediction: Glasgow expected to win, but Sharks likely to cover a +20.5 handicap.

Sharks have lost both away matches to Glasgow. (Getty Images)

Glasgow vs Sharks Predictions

Glasgow are generally very strong at home in the URC and given the vast number of players the Sharks are missing, I doubt we will see an upset. That said, the Sharks still have a solid squad available to them, so I am backing them in the +20.5 handicap.

Glasgow vs Sharks Predictions
Head to Head
Glasgow Form
Glasgow Team News
Sharks Form
Sharks Team News

Glasgow won 4 of their last 5 home matches last season.
Glasgow won 21-10 when they last met the Sharks at home.
Sharks have lost both away matches to Glasgow.

Head to Head

The Sharks beat Glasgow 28-24 in Durban last year. When they last met at Scotsnoun, Glasgow won 21-10. The home side has won all four matches between these sides.

Glasgow Form

Glasgow Warriors won the URC in the 2023/24 season, beating the Bulls in the final at Loftus Versfeld. In their title defence last season, they did a decent job, finishing fourth on the table before losing out to Leinster in the semi-final.

They were victories in 11 of their 18 matches, ending the campaign on 59 points, three points behind the Sharks in third place. Much the same is expected from the Warriors this time after Franco Smith extended his coaching contract with the Scottish club.

Glasgow Team News

Glasgow has no shortage of international quality within their squad. Zander Fagerson, Angus Fraser, Adam Hastings, George Horne and many other players have international caps for Scotland.

Sharks Form

The Sharks finished third on the 2024/25 URC table, ensuring a home quarterfinal. After a few years of struggles despite having one of the strongest squads at their disposal, the Sharks finally put their act together.

However, while a third-place finish was solid, the Sharks still didn’t come across as a very cohesive team, often relying on individual brilliance to get them over the line in games.

This season, the Sharks have the squad to compete at the very top of the table once again. Even with numerous Springbok players missing, they still have a squad littered with international quality and young potential.

Sharks Team News

The Sharks will be captained by recently capped Springbok player, Vincent Tshituka. Also in their squad is Phepsi Buthelezi and Bathobele Hlekani. Among the backs, Francois Venter offers experience while try scoring machine, Edwill van der Merwe is also in the touring squad. Lukhanyo Am will be hoping for an injury free season as he attempts to fight his way back into the international squad.

Verdict

Glasgow v Sharks

The Sharks are tipped to get within 20.5 points of Glasgow Warriors on Friday.

Sharks +20.5

Handicap

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