Ulster vs Sharks Predictions - Ulster set for upset in URC against Sharks

Simon Lewis

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Last updated: 25 Apr 2025

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Simon Lewis 25 Apr 2025

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Ulster seeks a must-win against Sharks to remain URC top 8 contenders.
Despite poor recent form, Ulster plays at home and has a full-strength squad.
Sharks, in 5th place, aim for a top-four finish; have depth for lineup changes.

Expired

Ulster vs Sharks United Rugby Championship

Ulster have lost their last 2 matches. Sharks have lost 2 of their last 3 matches. (Getty Images)

Ulster vs Sharks Predictions

This should be another immense battle. The Sharks are favourites at Ulster, but the hosts need this win desperately if they are to make the top eight. I am backing the hosts to upset the odds.

Ulster vs Sharks Predictions
Head to Head
Ulster Form
Ulster Injuries & Team News
Sharks Form
Sharks Injuries & Team News

Ulster have lost their last 2 matches.
Sharks have lost 2 of their last 3 matches.

Head to Head

The Sharks beat Ulster 22-12 at home last season.

Ulster Form

Ulster have had a poor season by their standards but will be looking to end it with a bang. With three fixtures remaining, they can still make the top eight.

Currently, Ulster are 10th, three points off eighth place. This is their final home match of the URC campaign, so one would imagine victory is imperative.

Ulster won three URC games in a row against Scarlets, Dragons and Stormers, all by less than five points. But they were then beaten 43-31 in the Champions Cup before going down 41-17 to Leinster last weekend.

Ulster Injuries & Team News

Ulster will be at full strength as this is pretty much a must-win game.

Sharks Form

The Sharks have been outstanding this season if you compare it to their performance last season, but one look at their squad and most would say they are still underperforming. They are fifth on the table with 49 points, five behind the Bulls in third and eight ahead of Benetton.

Victory against Ulster will all but secure a top four finish for the Sharks while defeat probably won’t be catastrophic. They do end the season with two home fixtures against Ospreys and Scarlets, both of which should be victories.

Last weekend, the Sharks fought tooth and nail for their 18-17 victory in Edinburgh. Prior to that, they lost to Lyon in the Challenge Cup and suffered a 10-7 home loss to Leinster.

Sharks Injuries & Team News

Last week was a very physical game so expect some changes from the Sharks. However, they have a squad with plenty of depth.

Verdict

Ulster v Sharks

I am backing Ulster to get withing the +3.5 handicap and perhaps win the game against the odds.

Ulster +3.5

Handicap

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Ulster Win

Result

@2.30 - 1 Unit

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Earn up to R3,000 in bonus funds PLUS 300 Free Spins, on your first three deposits. To get started, register and make a First Deposit *Min R10 and get 100% free up to R1,000 plus 100 free slot spins. | T&Cs apply.

Bet at Sportingbet SA