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Bulls vs Sharks Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction

The Bulls welcome the high-flying Sharks to Loftus on Saturday, 28 February. Since JP Pietersen has taken the reins at Kings Park, the Sharks have looked like a side who are capable of challenging even the very best in this competition. Read our analysis on this enticing encounter. The hosts will know that they face a tough test in front of their adoring fans, but in truth, South African rugby doesn’t get much better than this. For fans and punters alike, be sure to consult reputable rugby wagering platforms before finalising any rugby bets for the night.

Ryan Liberty
Ryan Liberty

Last updated: 2026-02-18

Chad Nagel

5 minutes read

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Cathal Forde of Connacht is tackled by Francois Venter / Getty Images

Cathal Forde of Connacht is tackled by Francois Venter / Getty Images

Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability:

  1. Bulls: 8/15 (1.53) – 65.4%

  2. Sharks: 19/10 (2.90) – 34.5%
    Odds courtesy of Betway 

Head-to-Head Record

  1. 20/12/2025: Sharks 21-12 Bulls 

  2. 02/08/2025: Bulls 64-0 Sharks 

  3. 07/06/2025: Bulls 25-13 Sharks 

  4. 15/02/2025: Bulls 19-29 Sharks 

  5. 21/12/2024: Sharks 20-17 Bulls 

Bulls Current Form – LLWWW

The Bulls could be one of the most underrated sides in the URC at the moment. Their consistency throughout the competition has been evident, and they have managed to register some positive performances against tough opposition when it matters most. 
Their powerful scrum has been well documented throughout this season, but their ability to find an accurate kicking game has at times been their real point of difference. They will look to find their usual physical performance on their own patch, and they will know they face a Sharks side who will come to Pretoria with their own level of confidence. This has all the makings of an absolute cracking game of rugby. 

Key Players to Watch

  • Cameron Hanekom
    He remains one of the more dynamic and yet incredibly explosive forwards in the tournament. He is a constant threat in close quarters, but his defensive ability is also second to none; expect a strong showing here.
  • Johan Goosen
    The experience and expertise he adds to this Bulls side cannot be denied. Granted, he must now fight for his place in the team, but whenever he is afforded minutes, he makes a positive contribution for his side. Keep an eye out for him here.
  •  Kurt-Lee Arendse
    Although he has confirmed that his future lies elsewhere after this domestic season, Arendse remains an immense threat in this Bulls side. His explosive attacking ability shouldn’t be taken for granted, and if the game begins to open up, he is the sort of player to take full advantage.

Bulls Team News

At the time of writing, the Bulls have a fully fit side for this URC clash. 

Sharks Current Form – LLWWW

The Sharks arrive in Pretoria with an overwhelming confidence and belief in their own ability. This has largely been restored by JP Pietersen taking the reins at Kings Park, but also by a side who have begun to play to their strengths in all areas of the rugby field. 

Their structured play is without fault at times, and the consistent launch they get from set pieces now makes their attacking attributes all that much more dangerous. Their defensive system has seen a massive overhaul, and they are no longer a side who leak easy points. 

Loftus will always be a tough place to go and beat the Bulls, but the Sharks will be chomping at the bit to have a crack.

Key Players to Watch

  • Ethan Hooker 
    His dominance and physical presence as a utility backline player is without doubt. Even as a young player, he has quickly become a name hardly ever left off the team sheet. Expect another strong showing from the young Springbok here.
  • Aphelele Fassi 
    There aren’t many players who are more dangerous in broken play, and if he is given space and time here, you can expect him to make life incredibly difficult for the Bulls. For many pundits, it is his counter-attacking ability that is most admirable, but he holds an attacking edge that, at its best, is incredibly lethal. Keep an eye out here.
  • Grant Williams 
    A scrumhalf who still divides opinion over whether he is a starter or an impact player. Nevertheless, his attacking attributes cannot be denied; he is a player who makes intelligent decisions for his side, and there is little doubt over his pace.

Sharks Team News

The Sharks have a full squad to choose from, and with no need for rotation, expect their Springboks to all find a place in this travelling squad. The only notable absentee remains Eben Etzebeth. 

Suggested Bets

These are the best we have the most confidence in and so deserve inclusion in your weekend multiples. 

  1. Sharks to Win: The break wouldn’t have come at the right time for them, but it is difficult to go against them now. Back the Durban-based franchise to find another positive performance here. (7/10 with Betway).

  2. Over 46.6 Points: These games are usually hard fought, but given the attacking nuance they both hold, backing a relatively big scoring affair might repay handsomely here. (21/20 with Hollywoodbets).

Value Bets

  1. Sharks (-5.5): The way they are playing at the moment, together with their expected dominance at set pieces, makes them a side worth having a serious punt on. (1/1 with Supabets).

Prediction: Sharks to Claim Another Win

The Bulls will always be a side that is difficult to overcome on their own patch. They are a proud South African side and happy to meet fire with fire in whatever competition they face. However, in the Sharks, you have a side who look to be growing in confidence; they express themselves with absolute freedom and just can’t seem to put a foot wrong now. 

Back JP Pietersen’s men to find another big win away from home and continue their impressive run in the back end of the URC. For us, the Sharks win this. 

Ryan Liberty
Ryan LibertySports Betting & Casino Editor

A quirky writer with an engaging tone, Ryan Liberty has seen his work published on many of South Africa’s sport’s publications. Ryan has a great passion for everything in the sporting world, from darts to football, motorsport and everything in between. His conversational flair allows him to bring diverse sporting topics to both the avid sports fan as well as the relaxed reader.