The Sharks return to Kings Park for their first home game of the URC season and they’re bringing serious firepower with them.
After a winless European tour that yielded two defeats and a draw, John Plumtree’s side will look to finally click when they meet Ulster on Saturday night.
The Durban outfit are strengthened by the return of five Rugby World Cup-winning Springboks. Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi and Ox Nche bolster the pack, while Bongi Mbonambi and Vincent Koch add further muscle up front. Grant Williams partners Siya Masuku at halfback, with André Esterhuizen’s inclusion giving the backline some much-needed physical presence and experience.
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Ulster arrive in good spirits after a 28–7 win over the Bulls in Belfast, a result that ended the Pretoria side’s unbeaten start. But the travel to humid Durban and the Sharks’ reinforced pack make this a very different challenge.
The Sharks’ defence has been the issue so far, conceding an average of 31 points per match on tour, yet at Kings Park, they have historically been much harder to break down. Their last home fixture against Ulster ended in a 31–24 win in 2023, and with a full-strength squad, there’s optimism for a repeat.
On Betway, the Sharks are 1.20 favourites, Ulster 5.40, and a draw 30.00. The heavy home backing reflects both the return of key players and the travel disadvantage facing Ulster. While the Irish side are gritty and well-structured, this looks like the week the Sharks finally get on the board.
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Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
