Sharks vs Benetton Predictions - Sharks tipped to continue strong home run in a URC encounter

Nigel Williams

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Last updated: 07 May 2026

Nigel Williams 07 May 2026

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Sharks have won 4 of their last 5 home games and are tipped to cover -14.5.
Star return: Siya Kolisi starts, 18-year-old Siyaya debuts at flyhalf.
Benetton has struggled defensively on the road, winning only 2 of last 5 away matches.

Expired

Sharks tipped to continue strong home run in a URC encounter (Getty Images)

Sharks vs Benetton Predictions

Sharks are favourites based on an impressive home win record. My best bet is the Sharks to cover the -14.5 handicap at home.

Sharks have won 4 of their last 5 home matches.
Sharks have won 2 of the 4 encounters against Benetton.
Sharks have scored more than 30 points in 3 of their last 5 home matches.
Sharks come into this match on the back of a 21-15 home win against Cardiff Rugby.
Benetton have won 2 of their last 5 away matches.
Benetton head into this match on the back of a 31-10 loss at Glasgow Warriors.

Head to Head

Sharks have won two of the four encounters against Benetton.

Sharks Form

Sharks have been in impressive form at home, winning four of their last five home matches in all competitions. They come into this match on the back of a 21-15 win against Cardiff Rugby.

Their previous home results include a loss against the Lions (23-22), wins against Clermont Auvergne (50-12), Stormers (36-24), and Munster (45-0).

Sharks are currently 10th in the United Rugby Championship, with 36 points after 16 matches.

Sharks’ physical edge up front could prove decisive at Kings Park.

Sharks Injuries & Team News

Sharks welcome back Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, and have made a surprise selection by naming 18-year-old Zekhethelo Siyaya at fly-half.

Starting line-up:

1 Ox Nche, 2 Eduan Swart, 3 Vincent Koch, 4 Jason Jenkins, 5 Emile van Heerden, 6 Siya Kolisi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 8 Emmanuel Tshituka, 9 Bradley Davids, 10 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (c), 13 Jurenzo Julius, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 15 Jaco Williams.

Replacements:

16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Phatu Ganyane, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Nicholas Hatton, 21 Ross Braude, 22 Jean Smith, 23 Litelihle Bester.

Benetton Form

Benetton have been inconsistent on the road, losing two and drawing one of their last five matches in all competitions. They come into this match on the back of a 31-10 loss at Glasgow Warriors.

Their previous away results include wins at Zebre (37-23), and Lyon (38-19), a loss at Cardiff Rugby (17-8), and a draw at the Dragons (15-15).

Benetton are currently 13th in the United Rugby Championship, with 33 points after 16 matches.

Benetton has struggled defensively against powerful packs away from home.

Benetton Injuries & Team News

Benetton will be looking to improve on their defensive weaknesses and improve their position on the table.

Verdict

Sharks v Benetton

Sharks tipped to continue strong home run. My best bet is the Sharks to cover the -14.5 handicap.

Sharks -14.5

Handicap

@1,91 - 3 Units

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