Bulls target rare Shark Tank triumph
The Bulls will seek a second Vodacom URC win against the Sharks at Kings Park in five attempts on Saturday.
The Sharks comfortably beat the men from Pretoria at Kings Park in the first two instalments of the competition, before the Bulls struck back in the 2023-24 season. The Durbanites triumphed a year ago – but only just.
Sharks vs Bulls in URC at Kings Park stadium
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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Relive the two most recent URC clashes between the teams at Kings Park:
SHARKS 20 BULLS 17
21 December 2024
Round 8, 2024-25 season
The Sharks edged the Bulls in a bruising, thrilling encounter that had drama and controversy.
The Sharks looked in control early as flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse kicked a penalty before brother Jaden finished close range for a 10-0 lead. But the Bulls struck back through two well-worked lineout tries, with flank Cobus Wiese and centre Harold Vorster crossing to turn the match on its head. Flyhalf Johan Goosen’s penalty pushed the visitors 17-10 clear midway through the second half.
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However, the decisive moment arrived when Bulls wing Sebastian de Klerk was yellow-carded for knocking the ball dead under pressure, with referee Morne Ferreira awarding a penalty try that levelled the scores and ignited debate. Despite replays suggesting a possible knock-on in the chase, the decision stood and momentum swung sharply.
After missing two earlier shots, Hendrikse kept his nerve to slot the winning penalty goal late on. The Bulls had chances to steal it, but Goosen missed twice off the tee and the Sharks’ defence held firm to seal a gritty derby win.
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SHARKS 14 BULLS 26
1 June 2024
Round 18, 2023-24 season
Hooker Akker van der Merwe scored a brace of tries as the Bulls breached the Shark Tank for the first time in the URC.
The win secured a top-two finish in the URC and SA Shield bragging rights.
Sharks flyhalf Siya Masuku converted his maiden URC try to put the Sharks in front early on, but the visitors stormed back to lead 12-7 at half-time courtesy of tries from outside centre David Kriel and hooker Johan Grobbelaar. Johan Goosen added the extras.
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Sharks flanker Vincent Tshituka was sin-binned for a cynical breakdown infringement, and Van der Merwe then crashed over for a converted try to put daylight between the sides.
However, a converted try by Dylan Richardson made it a nervous closing period for the Bulls before Van der Merwe came up trumps again to seal the win with a bonus-point try.
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
Crédito: Link de origem