Crusaders vs Sharks Predictions

I expect a 20-30 point win by the Crusaders. They have the most physical New Zealand pack. The Sharks have done well against New Zealand opposition this year- but the Crusaders are the best team in the tournament by a long shot.

Cape Town - Sharks coach Robert du Preez is backing his side to get the job done in Saturday's Super Rugby quarter-final against the Crusaders in Christchurch.

The Sharks secured a spot in the playoffs by beating the Jaguares in Durban this past Saturday, but they have the unenviable task of travelling to the top-ranked side in the competition this year. 

The Crusaders have lost just twice in Super Rugby this year and are favourites to win the competition, but Du Preez is not backing down.

"It's a wonderful opportunity and a massive challenge and we are going out there to beat them, otherwise we might as well stay at home," he said.

"They keep the ball for multiple phases and have some very good individual players. I think their biggest strength is keeping the ball when they have it.

"They are top of the log, so they are a great side."

Du Preez is encouraged by the fact that the Sharks have been largely impressive against New Zealand opposition so far in 2018. 

1. beat the Blues 63-40 in Auckland, 
   
2. lost 38-37 to the Wellington in Hurricanes (Ref assisted win)
   
3. beat the Highlanders 38-12 in Durban and then 
   
4. beat Chiefs 28-24 in Durban. 
   

It gives the Sharks a 3/4 record against Kiwi opposition in 2018, but they are yet to meet the Crusaders.

"I thought in the game against the Hurricanes we came closest to our full potential, even if we didn't win," said Du Preez.

"Winning is all-important. I don't care how we win." 

Sharks have beaten the Crusaders with 13 men there before,they can rise to the occasion.

Cumo n Sharks...Do the Lions a solid.

You owe us one for Akker.

Canes werent assisted by the ref. Your just using ref an an excuse per usual. For Sharks poor discipline in that final 15. That was why Canes won that game. Sharks should of maintained their discipline. And not gave away so many penalties and field position. 

Interesting to see that the issues with the ref were in the soccer world cup also. I mean really, those guys can't even use their hands and still they get into trouble. What sort of sport doesn't allow you to use your hands? Crazy, who could have dreamed that one up. Nope rugby is the game for me

I'm with you there Bluebok.

Saders by lots!

Oops back to the past again - who actually scored the tries in that match?  What happened in the subsequent semi in 2014 where the Sharks lost by a bigger margin then the case will be on Saturday?

Fact is the Sharks is not really in the mix to win the quarterfinal and I think they will lose unless the Crusaders bugger up badly on Saturday.  Would say the Crusaders by 15.    

No Mozart - they lost by  38-6 - one incident is nor what led to the loss and they never showed anything.   Both Alberts and Steyn were piss-poor - Alberts in both the round-robin and semi  games - so to blame one or two players for the loss is futile.   There was no sign of life in the team in the semi and that was a fact.

      .  

Sharks and Jaguars have both done well against NZ opposition this season.Need a side that can hang in there in the second half,hopefully another high scoring game and not just on the Crusaders tally.

High scoring game means poor defending. Bad news for RC.