Date: Saturday, 19 October 2024
Time: 14:45
Venue: Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban
Introduction
After a tough trip to Italy, where they fell to Benetton, the Sharks are back in Durban to take on Glasgow Warriors, a team sitting comfortably in second place. The Sharks will look to end a three-game losing streak at home and put their season back on track with a victory over the Scottish side.
Current Form and Standings
The Sharks are currently 14th in the standings with one win and two losses, while Glasgow Warriors are riding high in second, having won three out of four games. This clash sees a Sharks team eager to get back on track at home facing a Warriors side with their eyes set on maintaining a top spot.
Key Player Performances
For the Sharks, Siya Masuku has been impressive with his kicking accuracy, converting nine out of ten kicks for a total of 20 points. Glasgow’s Huw Jones has been in fine form with three tries, while Adam Hastings’ precise kicking and game management have been invaluable for the Warriors.
Head-to-Head and Historical Insights
The Sharks and Warriors have met three times in the URC, with the home side winning each time. The Sharks’ last victory over Glasgow came in October 2022, a commanding 40-12 win at Kings Park. This trend will give the Sharks confidence, knowing they’ve protected home turf against the Warriors before.
Tactical Breakdown
The Sharks will likely focus on set-piece dominance and a kicking game to control territory. The Warriors, however, will look to keep the ball moving and exploit any defensive gaps. Glasgow’s offloading game and quick ball movement make them dangerous in broken play, so the Sharks will need to keep their defense tight.
Fun Fact
The Sharks have struggled against Italian sides, having lost both games they played against Benetton last season, yet they’ve maintained a solid record against teams from the British Isles.
Final Thoughts
Both teams are hungry for a win, and with the Sharks aiming to impress at home, this match should be highly entertaining. It’ll be a battle of the Sharks’ powerful pack against Glasgow’s fluid backline, with both teams capable of setting the scoreboard alight.
Did You Know?
Sharks’ prop Ox Nché has a reputation for not just solid scrummaging but also for his dynamic ball-carrying, making him a fan favorite in Durban.
