Sharks vs Pumas Prediction: Pumas can keep title hopes alive

The Pumas travel to Durban to face defending Currie Cup champions the Sharks in a 'must-win' encounter on Friday evening (18:00 BST).

Below are my Sharks vs Pumas predictions, as well as the team news and match odds for the clash at Kings Park.

Team News

Despite recording a win last time out, front-row pair Jacques Marais and Mawande Mdanda drop to the bench for the Sharks, who remain shorn of several regulars currently away with the Springboks.

They are replaced by Lee-Marvin Mazibuko and Fez Mbatha, while there is also a change at full-back with Yaw Penxe in for Hakeem Kunene.

The visitors have made two changes following their 39-13 bonus-point victory over Western Province last weekend.

Dewald Maritz comes in at loosehead prop at the expense of Etienne Janek, while JJ Scheepers makes way for Hanno Theunissen at lock.

Sharks vs Pumas Odds

The hosts, who are currently second from bottom in the Currie Cup standings, can be backed at 8/15 to claim the victory.

The Pumas, who have won three and lost three to date, are available at 6/4, while the draw is priced at 20/1.

Match Betting - Pumas @ 13/8

The Pumas coach, Jimmy Stonehouse, has described Friday's clash as a "do-or-die game" for his side and one that they have to win.

That suggests the visitors are going to leave everything out there, as they seek the victory that could see them reach the semi-finals.

If the Pumas claim the full points on offer, they would move one point ahead of the Cheetahs, who head to Pretoria to take on the Bulls on Saturday.

The Sharks have just 10 points from their six games in this season's Currie Cup, but head into Friday's encounter off the back of a hard-fought 33-31 win over Boland Cavaliers.

However, with more at stake, the balance looks to tip in favour of the Pumas, who will have recent happy memories of Kings Park Stadium.

The visitors claimed a 31-21 victory in Durban last July and also come into this clash on a high after an impressive win last week.

Stonehouse's men ran in five tries against Western Province, with four of those coming in the second half, while Clinton Swart kicked four of his five conversions and two penalties.

Everything points to a high-scoring affair, especially when you take into account recent meetings between the two sides.

There have been 46 points or more scored in each of the last four meetings, including a 44-44 draw in Mbombela in Round Five last year, but the Pumas' greater need hints that they will be able to get the job done.

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