Bulls and Sharks clash in epic URC semi-final derby showdown

The scene is set for a spectacular second-last round of the United Rugby Championship (URC) and at least one South African team will again contest the final this year.

It will be the fourth season in a row where a local franchise features, which underpins the strength of SA rugby sides in the European tournament. Who will the team in the final be? That will be answered on Saturday evening in Pretoria.

The Bulls will host the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld (6.15 pm start) and with home ground as their ally and news that Bok lock Eben Etzebeth is out of the semis, the hosts are in the inside lane to make it through to another final. They can still host a final should defending champions, the Glasgow Warriors, triumph over Irish giants in Leinster in the early match of the day.

However, the Sharks are no pushovers and the way they’ve been grinding out wins to stay in the hunt for a first URC trophy should have caught the attention of the Bulls. While they have not played the prettiest of rugby and they dragged their opponents to the gutters to beat them there, the Durbanites know how to fight. That determination will be crucial at Loftus and without Etzebeth.

A sold-out stadium is expected and that will up the tension. Supporters should already get their money’s worth just looking at how the two Springbok front rows will go against each other. The scrums will be important, but ultimately the win will come down to who converts their scoring opportunities best and who stays disciplined on the day.

It’s not out of the question that South Africa will host a final again, but the two teams will only be concerned about winning the highly anticipated derby.