Will Bulls follow Sharks' Bok example?
SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks have surged to the forefront of the United Rugby Championship, the only team to claim maximum points after the first two rounds.
Following their disappointing absence from the play-offs last season, the Durban-based franchise is unmistakably intent on making their mark in the 2026-27 season.
In a gripping showdown at Kings Park this past weekend, they secured their second consecutive bonus-point victory by edging past defending champions Leinster 26-20.
The Sharks demonstrated their strength by leveraging their impressive Springbok roster.
In the Shark Tank, Thomas du Toit, Andre Esterhuizen – reclaiming the captaincy – and Edwill van der Merwe set a strong foundation in the starting XV.
The impact was magnified in the second half with the introduction of Ox Nche, Eben Etzebeth, and Ethan Hooker, who made significant contributions.
This trio was further supported by Vincent Koch, Jason Jenkins, Phepsi Buthelezi, Jaden Hendrikse, and Vusi Moyo, all of whom added their valuable skills to secure the victory.
The importance of seasoned international players became clear and will play a crucial role as the URC enters derby week.
This Saturday, fans can expect a couple of exciting clashes, as the Bulls welcome the Lions at Loftus Versfeld, while the Stormers host the confident Sharks in Cape Town.
Interestingly, the Bulls are the only team that chose not to field their returning Springboks in Round Two.
Following a strong opening match against Zebre that ended in a bonus-point win, they left Limerick with only a losing bonus point.
Key veterans like Willie le Roux and Marcell Coetzee were front and centre at Thomond Park, while Armand van der Merwe and Embrose Papier are making good progress in their recovery from injuries.
The return of a significant number of Boks from international play will undoubtedly present coach Johan Ackermann with some intriguing selection dilemmas.
With the likes of Handré Pollard, Canan Moodie, Gerhard Steenekamp, Cameron Hanekom, Cobus Wiese, Johan Grobbelaar, Elrigh Louw, Marco van Staden, and Jan-Hendrik Wessels back in the mix, the Bulls will have a strikingly different – much more formidable – line-up.
Additionally, the midfield force Harold Vorster appears set to return after missing Round Two due to illness.
Meanwhile, the Lions, though on a smaller scale, also benefited from Springbok experience in their impressive victory over the Ospreys at Ellis Park last weekend.
Boan Venter was the sole Lion of the current Bok squad to start, while Morné van den Berg and Quan Horn showcased their talent as impactful substitutes in the final quarter.
Van den Berg in particular injected much-needed energy and dynamism that made the Lions a considerable threat.
The Stormers are also poised to receive substantial Springbok support, with captain Siya Kolisi being the lone Bok from their recent tours to appear in the recent loss in Edinburgh.
Despite an early injury to Andre-Hugo Venter, the team featured Ntuthuko Mchunu, Neethling Fouche, and Riley Norton as starters.
With the return of Evan Roos (healing from a 4G injury), along with Wilco Louw, Paul de Villiers, Deon Fourie, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Damian Willemse, and Cobus Reinach, the Stormers will face a Sharks side full of confidence.
Cheslin Kolbe is still sidelined with a fractured jaw.
Ultimately, it’s clear that the Bulls are set to lean the heaviest on their wealth of international talent as they navigate the challenges of this competitive round.
@JanDKrugby
