Sharks vs. Bulls: Springbok-Fueled Showdown in United Rugby Championship

The Sharks, fresh off their Challenge Cup triumph, face the Bulls in the final round of the United Rugby Championship regular season. Despite roster changes, both teams are determined to end their campaigns on a high note, with the Bulls vying for a home semi-final and final.

byJett Blacksand

May 31, 2024

Sharks Tackle Bulls in Pivotal United Rugby Championship Clash

Kings Park, [DATE] – The Sharks, fresh off their Challenge Cup final triumph over Gloucester, are set to face off against the Bulls in the final round of the United Rugby Championship regular season. Despite making just three changes to their starting lineup, the Sharks remain focused on finishing the challenging campaign on a positive note.

Springboks Eben Etzebeth, Grant Williams, and Makazole Mapimpi will be absent from the Sharks’ lineup, with the coaching staff citing recovery and minor issues. In their place, Conre Rahl, Cameron Wright, and Eduan Keyter have been elevated to the starting XV.

While the Sharks are out of the running for a URC playoff spot, the Bulls have everything to play for, sitting in second place on the table. A victory over the Sharks could potentially see them finish top of the standings, securing a home semi-final and, if they progress, a home final.

“This highly anticipated derby between the Sharks and the Bulls promises to be a thrilling encounter, as both teams strive to end their respective campaigns on a high note.”

The Sharks have retained an all-Springbok front row in Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi, and Vincent Koch, with Rahl and Gerbrandt Grobler pairing up in the second row. The backline features a new-look scrum-half partnership, as Wright joins Siya Masuku.

Meanwhile, the Bulls have made just one change to their matchday squad, with Johan Grobbelaar starting at hooker, replacing Akker van der Merwe. The Bulls’ backline boasts an all-Springbok contingent, including Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie, and Kurt-Lee Arendse in the back three, with David Kriel and Harold Vorster in the centers.