Sharks vs New Zealand Predictions - Sharks to cover in Durban against All Blacks

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 11 Aug 2026

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Ralph Staniforth 11 Aug 2026

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All Blacks favored to win, but Durban weather may narrow the score gap.
Sharks missing key players but bolstered by Ma'a Nonu and Vincent Koch.
Prediction: Sharks to cover +38.5 handicap despite All Blacks strength.

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Improved New Zealand to secure Durban win (Getty Images)

Sharks vs New Zealand Predictions

The second match of the Greatest Rivalry Tour kicks off on Tuesday evening at Durban's Kings Park where the Sharks will hope for a major upset against the All Blacks. Of course, the tourists beat the Stomers last Friday 38-21 in Cape Town in their opener.

Sharks vs New Zealand Predictions
Sharks Form
New Zealand Form
Sharks vs New Zealand Team News

Conditions in Durban can be tough, especially in the evening. Both teams will have their work cut out in terms of handling, and the Sharks, who will come out fighting, are backed to get within the 38.5 handicap.

Sharks are missing all their Springbok players and a few others through injury.
New Zealand won their last match 38-21 against the Stormers.
New Zealand have won all 4 matches in 2026 (including against the Stormers).

Sharks Form

The Sharks had a very disappointing URC campaign in the2025/26 season, finishing 10th on the table and failing to make the playoffs. Given the talent at their disposal, it was a horrific performance.

On Tuesday night, the men from Durban will be up for this game as it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many of the players. They do not have the pedigree of player across the team to match the All Blacks, but in terms of physicality, they will give as good as they get.

The weather in Durban can make life tough for both sides, but if it rains, or the humidity comes into play, it will favour the hosts who will largely employ a tactical kicking game to gain territory.

New Zealand Form

After the change of coaching staff, it is probably too early to really see what Davie Rennie is trying to achieve. We know, as the coach has already said, that the All Blacks want to play a high tempo game, but there really hasn't been enough games to conclusively say how it has gone.

In the Nations Championship, the All Blacks defeated a French side by two points who were not at full strength, struggled past Italy and then defeated Ireland - all at home. Last Friday, at a very atmospheric Cape Town Stadium, New Zealand struggled to get going against the Stormers, making errors not common for them.

However, the team was filled with players who had hardly played in the last eight weeks and combinations that were largely untested. Their second half performance was encouraging, although the amount of handling errors and squandered opportunities will be a concern.

Sharks vs New Zealand Team News

The massive news for all fans is that Ma'a Nonu, two-time Rugby World Cup winner with New Zealand, will feature off the bench for the Durban outfit. Veteran Springbok prop, Vincent Koch will also be licking his lips to have another crack at the All Blacks scrum.

Vusi Moyo, South African u20 star, who made his test debut a few weeks ago, starts at 10. This will be a huge game for him while Jurenzo Julies will be looking for a massive performance at 13 as he eyes future national selection.

For the All Blacks, Davie Rennie has selected a stronger side for this fixture. Damian McKenzie returns to fullback with Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea in midfield and Ruben Love at 10. Wallace Sititi starts at the back of the scrum in a massive game for him as he looks for a place in the first Test.

Verdict

Sharks v New Zealand

New Zealand should see off the Sharks with relative comfort but the conditions could keep the score down. I am looking at the Sharks on +38.5.

Sharks +38.5

Handicap

@1,91 - 4 Units

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Ralph is from South Africa and studied Sports Science post school at ETA (Education Teachers Academy) in Cape Town.

He has always had a great passion for sport and this led him into the world of sports journalism, while coaching on the side. Since 2012 Ralph has worked as a journalist and covered many topics from business to sport.

Over the last seven years he has interviewed numerous top rugby and cricket players and coaches in South Africa.

Ralph has been betting on sports for the last ten years. He’s knowledgeable on numerous topics including football, rugby, cricket, tennis and golf.

He supports Manchester United (football), Cheetahs (rugby), Knights (cricket) and has a newly found appreciation for Dominic Thiem on the tennis courts.