Sharks vs Harlequins Tips - Sharks set for opening win in Champions Cup

The hosts are slight favourites and on home soil I fancy then to cover the -4 handicap.

This will be the first meeting between the Sharks and Harlequins.

This will be the Sharks first foray into the European Champions Cup but fortunately they can open up at home. This season has not gone according to plan for the Sharks after making the playoffs of the URC last season.

The Durban-based franchise had their coach resign a couple of weeks ago after a humiliating home defeat to Cardiff. They did bounce back last week to beat the Ospreys 25-10 at home.

Much money has been spent at the Sharks over the last year but there seems to be a struggle to get the players to gel. That said, the Sharks have world class players, mostly internationals across the park and on their day can beat anyone.

The Sharks will have more international players back this weekend. Expect to see the majority start as they look to build some confidence in what has been an average year to date.

Harlequins have made a very good start to their season in the Rugby Premiership. They are third on the table on 30 points with six wins and three defeats from nine matches.

Over their last five matches, the Harlequins have won four, including their last two. They beat Gloucester 21-12 at the end of November before defeating Bath 19-13 away last weekend.

While the Champions Cup isn’t new to the English side, traveling to South Africa is. While some players have made international appearances in the Republic, it is a new ball-game at club level.

Harlequins have traveled with a strong squad of players. They are expected to field a full strength side.