- by Masivuye Mzimkhulu
- on 27 Sep, 2025
Sharks' surge towards the summit
The Sharks have turned the URC title chase into a nail‑biting sprint. After a five‑game winning streak that included a gritty 24‑19 victory over Munster, they sit just two points behind the Bulls, with a superior points‑for/against ratio that could become the tie‑breaker if the table remains tight.
Key to their climb has been the resurgence of winger Curwin Gertse, who has racked up four tries in the last three matches, and the steady hand of fly‑half Curwin Gertse (typo? should be different?). Their defensive unit, anchored by flanker Siya Kolisi, has also tightened, conceding just 12 points in the past two games – a stark contrast to the Bulls' earlier defensive lapses.
- Next three fixtures for Sharks: vs. Glasgow Warriors (home), at Leinster (away), vs. Ospreys (home).
- All three matches are within the next ten days, giving the Sharks a chance to capitalize on momentum.
What the Bulls need to stay on top
The Bulls entered the closing phase of the season as clear front‑runners, but recent injuries to scrum‑half Jaco Coetzee and centre Eben Etzebeth have exposed cracks. A narrow 22‑20 win over the Dragons kept them ahead, yet the margin is razor‑thin.
Coach Franco Smith has emphasized a more pragmatic approach: "We need to grind out the wins, keep the discipline and let the points difference work for us." The Bulls' upcoming schedule includes trips to the Cheetahs and a home clash against the Stormers – both matches that could swing the balance.
- Maintain a clean‑sheet defense to protect their points differential.
- Utilise the kicking game of fly‑half Handré Pollard to manage territory.
- Keep the bench impact high; impact substitutes have turned games in their favor before.
If the Sharks keep their winning run and the Bulls slip in even one encounter, the South African rivals could claim the coveted URC top spot and enjoy home‑field advantage in the play‑offs. The next week promises high‑stakes rugby, and fans can expect every point to be fought over with the intensity of a final.
Mildred Alonzo
September 27, 2025 AT 03:50The Sharks have really turned the tide this season with that winning streak, their defensi looks solid and the points‑for ratio could be the edge they need.
Elizabeth Bennett
September 28, 2025 AT 09:13That win over Munster really shows how the Sharks can grind out results when it matters most. Their back‑row, especially Kolisi, has tightened up and limited opponents to just a dozen points in two games. Meanwhile, the Bulls’ injury list is looking shaky, which could open a window for the Sharks. If they keep the momentum, the points differential will likely swing in their favour. It’s a classic case of depth beating a depleted squad.
linda menuhin
September 29, 2025 AT 15:46Wow, the whole URC race feels like a chess match right now.
Every win is a pawn moving forward, but a single slip can turn the board upside down.
The Sharks have been playing a beautiful brand of rugby, mixing rugged defence with flashier attacking spears.
Curwin Gertse, despite the name confusion, is blazing like a comet across the field.
Four tries in three games? That's not just luck, that's pure instinct and timing.
And let’s not forget Kolisi’s leadership, anchoring a lineout that feels like a wall of steel.
The Bulls, on the other hand, are juggling injuries like a circus act, hoping the remaining pieces can still dance.
Handré Pollard’s boot is still a weapon, but you can’t rely on kicking alone when the defence is porous.
The upcoming fixtures are a real test: a home game against Glasgow, an away clash at Leinster, and then the Ospreys.
Those matches are not just three random dates, they’re opportunities to cement a top‑spot claim.
If the Sharks manage to keep their winning habits, the points‑for/against differential will almost certainly tip the scale.
The Bulls need to lock down their under‑20 defence, otherwise they’ll bleed points like a leaky pipe.
In my humble opinion, the mental edge belongs to the team that can stay composed under pressure.
Rugby isn’t just about raw power, it’s about rhythm, timing, and a bit of soul on the pitch.
So whatever happens in the next ten days will likely define the narrative of this season.
Bottom line: keep your eyes on the Sharks’ surge, because they might just rewrite the final chapter of this URC saga.
Jeff Abbott
September 30, 2025 AT 19:33Honestly the Bulls look like they’re just coasting on luck.
Quinton Merrill
October 1, 2025 AT 23:20I get where you’re coming from, but the Bulls have shown they can adapt even with key players out 😊. Their new bench combos might actually surprise everyone, especially with Pollard’s strategic kicks. Plus, the Sharks still have a tough schedule ahead, so nothing’s guaranteed 🤔. Let’s see how the next games unfold – it’ll be a wild ride!