Bath Rugby vs Sale Sharks Prediction & Betting Tips - English Premiership Rugby

Prediction published on 23/03/2024, 10:15  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 24/03/2024 at 03:00 in Rugby Predictions

Bath Rugby will host Sale Sharks at The Rec in a crucial showdown in the race for the Gallagher Premiership playoffs. Bath currently occupies the third spot in the table with 37 points, while Sale Sharks trail behind in seventh place, five points adrift. Bath continues to make progress, although they have somewhat eased off the accelerator after a strong start to the season. Their last match saw them suffer a 57-44 defeat away to the Bristol Bears last month, and that followed a 31-19 loss to Toulouse in their final group-stage match in the European Rugby Champions Cup back in January. Nevertheless, they currently hold the third position in this competition with a spot in the knockout stages well within reach. In terms of notable stats, Bath have recorded the joint-fewest carries in the Premiership, averaging 105 per 80 minutes. However, they boast an average of 3.8 meters per carry this season, the highest among all teams. The hosts will have to match Sale’s brutality here to come out on top here.

It's hard to fathom that Sale Sharks were leading the Premiership just a few months ago. However, a string of disappointing results has led them to drop down to seventh place, and they now need a significant push if they aim to secure a playoff spot. Last time out, the Sharks fell 32-20 to Gloucester, marking their fifth consecutive loss in all competitions. During that time, they were also beaten by Northampton, Bristol, Stormers, and La Rochelle. The last time Sale won a match was on December 22 at home against Saracens. Sale have relied on the boot for much of this competition with Gus Warr making more kicks than any other player (150), with 22 of those being retained. While the hosts are massive favourites here, Sale secured a narrow victory with an 11-9 scoreline at the Salford Community Stadium the last time these sides met.