The stage is set for an all-South African showdown as the Sharks collide with the Bulls in the semi-final of the United Rugby Championship in their semi-final at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday. Expect fireworks as Siya Kolisi and the Sharks bring coastal grit against the Bulls’ highveld muscle, led by the ever-relentless Marcell Coetzee. Below is a preview and prediction for this titanic clash.
ALSO READ: URC Semifinals Confirmed: Bulls and Sharks Carry SA Hopes.
Match Preview & Form
The Sharks finished the regular season third on the 16-team table, behind only the Bulls and Leinster and earned their semi-final spot by ending Munster’s hopes in a dramatic shoot-out in Durban last week. The Bulls, however, with seven consecutive wins in the tournament and having a more consistent season and historical success in the URC, are intent on going all the way.
For the Bulls, a transition to Johannes at 10 could slightly disrupt attacking rhythm, but overall, squad health and form remain strong. Losing two experienced locks (Etzebeth & Jenkins) weakens the Sharks scrum and lineout presence, but replacements have quality and coach Plumtree is confident the selections will hold up.
Injury & Availability Updates
Bulls:
Johan Goosen (Fly-half): Is back and in the starting XV.
Sharks:
Eben Etzebeth (Lock & captain): Ruled out after a knock in training. Coach John Plumtree felt it’s safer to rest him. Etzebeth should recover for the URC final if the Sharks progress.
Jason Jenkins (Lock): Also ruled out, failing to recover from a prior injury
Corne Rahl and Emile van Heerden are set to partner in the second row.
Recent Encounters:
On 21 December 2024, the Sharks claimed a narrow 20‑17 win over the Bulls in Durban, with Jaden Hendrikse crossing for a try.
Earlier this season, the Bulls fought back from two early defeats to finish strong (7 wins, 2 losses); the Sharks also had a solid run (6 wins, 3 losses).
Players to watch:
Aphelele Fassi and Fezokuhle Mbatha scored crucial tries in the quarter-final.
Jaden Hendrikse performed throughout the shootout and the earlier round.
Bulls Form (Last 5 URC games):
5 wins from 5:
42–33 vs Edinburgh (QF)
55–15 vs Dragons
45–21 vs Cardiff
26–19 vs Glasgow
16–13 vs Munster
Sharks Form (Last 5 URC games):
4 wins, 1 draw:
24–24 vs Munster (QF, SHOOTOUT)
12–3 vs Scarlets
29–10 vs Ospreys
22–19 vs Ulster
18–17 vs Edinburgh
Best Bets
Prediction: Bulls to win at 1.32.
Best Bet: Bulls -8.5 at 1.91.
Alternative Bet: Over 55.5 total points at 2.70.
