Bulls eye rare URC victory against the Sharks but the drama isn’t over yet
The Bulls are aiming for a second Vodacom United Rugby Championship win over the Sharks at Kings Park this Saturday, in a matchup that has produced five prior visits with mixed results.
Historically, the Sharks dominated early on when they hosted Pretoria’s side in Durban, claiming comfortable wins in the first two clashes of the URC era. The Bulls answered back in the 2023-24 season, and they etched another notable victory a year ago, though the triumph was by the narrowest of margins.
Recent URC history at Kings Park reads as follows:
- 2021-22: Sharks 30, Bulls 16
- 2022-23: Sharks 47, Bulls 20
- 2023-24: Sharks 14, Bulls 26
- 2024-25: Sharks 20, Bulls 17
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Reliving the latest Johannesburg-Kings Park duels:
- SHARKS 20, BULLS 17 — 21 December 2024, Round 8 of the 2024-25 season
- SHARKS 14, BULLS 26 — 1 June 2024, Round 18 of the 2023-24 season
In the June 2024 clash, Bulls hooker Akker van der Merwe bagged two tries, marking the Bulls’ first URC win inside the Shark Tank and securing a coveted top-two finish in the competition as well as SA Shield bragging rights.
Sharks’ flyhalf Siya Masuku opened with a successful conversion of his URC debut try, briefly giving the hosts the lead. Yet the Bulls surged ahead by half-time, 12-7, thanks to finishes from outside center David Kriel and hooker Johan Grobbelaar, with Goosen adding the extras.
The second half saw tense exchanges. Sharks flanker Vincent Tshituka received a yellow card for a cynical breakdown penalty, and Van der Merwe crossed again for a converted score to stretch the gap. Dylan Richardson’s converted try kept the Sharks in contention as the clock wound down, but Van der Merwe’s second try sealed the Bulls’ win with a bonus point.
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
And this is where the story gets intriguing: the URC narrative between these two powerhouses is continually shifting, leaving fans guessing which team will impose their style this weekend. The outcome could hinge on set-piece accuracy, discipline at the breakdown, and how each side handles pressure in critical moments.
As conversations heat up around likely matchups and tactical plans, one question remains central: will the Bulls’ recent momentum at Kings Park carry them to another landmark result, or will the Sharks reclaim the advantage at home? Share your take in the comments: do you side with the Bulls’ clever tight play or the Sharks’ explosive attack?”}
