The Hurricanes have not beaten the Sharks since the two teams played each other in Wellington in the first Super 14 season which was way back in 2006.

The Hurricanes came close to beating the Sharks back in 2008 in Wellington but they had to settle for a 13 all draw.

The last time the Sharks visited New Zealand to play the Hurricanes they won 26-29 but this week's match is not in Wellington it is in New Plymouth which may reduce the home side's home advantage a little.

The Hurricanes and the Sharks have played each other 14 times and the Sharks have won 7 and the Hurricanes 6. The only other result was that draw in 2008.

The average score when the two teams meet is Hurricanes 26 Sharks 26 but when they play in New Zealand it's 26-23.

In New Zealand the Hurricanes and Sharks have played each other seven times and both teams have won three, lost three and drawn once.

The Sharks go into the match without Patrick Lambie but he was missing last weekend as well when they beat the Brumbies in Canberra for the first time since 1998.

The Hurricanes on the other hand lost their second home match of the season last weekend when they fell to the Cheetahs for the first time ever in New Zealand.

The Bookies have given the Hurricanes a 1 point start for this match - with an offer of Bet 5 and Get 50 in Bets. The Sharks have a strong record against the Hurricanes and look to have hit some form. The Sharks should win by 4.

This match will be shown on TV in NZ, Aus, SA and in the UK on the Sky Sports HD3.

Average score: Hurricanes 26 Sharks 26

Last five results
23 Apr 2011 Hurricanes v Sharks 24-40 Durban
27 Mar 2010 Hurricanes v Sharks 26-29 Wellington
04 Apr 2009 Hurricanes v Sharks 17-33 Durban
05 Apr 2008 Hurricanes v Sharks 13-13 Wellington
17 Mar 2007 Hurricanes v Sharks 14-27 Durban

Hurricanes overall record against the Sharks
Played 14 , Wins 6 , Losses 7, Draws 1

Match No .43: Hurricanes v Sharks
Date Friday 6 April
Venue : New Plymouth
Kick Off local: 19:35
Referee: Glen Jackson
Assistant Ref 1:Garratt Williamson
Assistant Ref 2:Mike Fraser
TMO:Richard Kelly

Teams

Hurricanes

1. Ben May,2. Dane Coles,3. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen,4. James Broadhurst,5. Jason Eaton,6. Jack Lam,7. Karl Lowe,8.Faifili Levave,9. TJ Perenara,10. Beauden Barrett,11. Julian Savea,12. Tim Bateman,13. Conrad Smith (c),14. Cory Jane,15. Andre Taylor

Replacements : 16. Motu Matu’u,17. Michael Bent ,18. Mark Reddish,19. Jeremy Thrush,20. Chris Eaton,21. Tusi Pisi,22. Charlie Ngatai

Sharks

1. Dale Chadwick , 2. Craig Burden , 3. Jannie du Plessis , 4. Steven Sykes , 5. Jandre Marais , 6. Marcell Coetzee , 7. Willem Alberts , 8. Keegan Daniel (Captain) , 9. Charl McLeod , 10. Frederic Michalak , 11. Lwazi Mvovo , 12. Tim Whitehead , 13. JP Pietersen , 14. Louis Ludik , 15. Riaan Viljoen

Replacements: , 16. Bismarck du Plessis , 17. Wiehahn Herbst , 18. Anton Bresler , 19. Jean Deysel , 20. Jacques Botes , 21. Meyer Bosman , 22. Marius Joubert/Paul Jordaan