Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
URC
Week 12
Bulls vs Sharks
Loftus Versfeld
Pretoria, South Africa
Saturday, 28 February 2026
Kick-off is at 17:00
South African rugby will come to a standstill this weekend as the Bulls and Sharks prepare for a heavyweight clash in the URC at the popular Loftus Versfeld on Saturday with both sides targeting a place in the Final Series Stage.
The Bulls are a shadow of their former selves during the current campaign, with only five wins from 10 matches played so far. In last season’s edition of the showpiece, the Bulls finished second in the league before suffering a 32-7 defeat against Leinster in the final on 14 June 2025.
Much of the same can be said about the Sharks, who finished third during the regular league season last year. However, the Sharks could only manage a semi-final spot where they were eliminated from the competition during a 25-13 defeat against the Bulls at Loftus on 7 June 2025.
As it stands, the Bulls are currently in eighth position on the table following their mammoth 52-17 win over the Lions at Ellis Park on 31 January.
The Sharks on the other hand, are 10th on the URC log after seeing out a 34-22 loss against the Lions at Ellis Park on 21 February.
The Durban-based side emerged victorious in the last encounter between the two sides and recorded a 21-12 victory over the Bulls at the Kings Park Stadium on 20 December 2025.
Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
Speaking ahead of the tie, Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee urged his side to reward fans for their loyalty while taking to Loftus this weekend.
“We want to play good rugby. The Sharks and the Stormers beat us here last season and we want to prevent a repeat of that,” loose forward Marcell Coetzee told
“It always gives us extra energy to play here in Pretoria in front of our own people. But you mustn’t rely too much on Loftus and the altitude. It’s important for us to play well and reward the supporters who stand by us so loyally.”
For Sharks coach JP Pietersen, the tie against the Bulls presents an opportunity to bounce back from their loss against the Lions.
“Every game is important for us. When I took over we were 14th on the log, and there is still a close gap between 14 and eighth. There are a lot of teams in that group separated by one or two points. So it is a challenge,” Pietersen said.
“Next we have the Bulls at Loftus. We’ll look at what we can do better and how we can limit our soft errors and moments in the game. The boys are hurting (after the Lions loss), you can see that in the change room, but we will definitely bounce back.”
Head-to-head
Last five meetings:
Games: 5
Bulls wins: 2
Sharks wins: 3
Draws: 0
URC Weekend fixtures
Friday, 27 February
21:00: Cardiff Rugby vs Leinster
21:45: Edinburgh vs Scarlets
Saturday, 28 February
14:30: Lions vs Stormers
17:00: Connacht vs Glasgow Warriors
17:00: Bulls vs Sharks
19:30: Dragons vs Benetton
19:30: Munster vs Zebre
21:45: Ospreys vs Ulster
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