- 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.