Bulls vs Sharks Predictions & Tips - Possible upset in URC semi-final

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 05 Jun 2025

Ralph Staniforth 05 Jun 2025

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Bulls are favorites but Sharks have outperformed them twice this season.
Bulls aim for a third URC final in four years.
Sharks succeeded last week through a nerve-racking kicking contest.

Expired

Sharks have won their last 2 matches against the Bulls (Getty Images)

Bulls vs Sharks Preview

This game could go either way as a South African derby. Teh Sharks have beaten the Bulls twice this season, however, the hosts are favourites. I do think the 8.5 handicap is a bit high given the history of these two sides.

Bulls vs Sharks Preview
Head to Head
Bulls Form
Bulls Injuries & Team News
Sharks Form
Sharks Injuries & Team News

I am backing the Sharks to get within that handicap with good value on an upset win for the visitors.

Bulls have won their last 5 matches.
Bulls have scored 40+ points in their last 3 home matches.
Sharks have won their last 2 matches against the Bulls

Head to Head

The Sharks have beaten the Bulls both home and away this season.

Bulls Form

The Bulls have proven to be one of the most consistent sides in the URC since joining four years ago. They are gunning for their third final in four years – they have lost both of the last two.

The Pretoria-based outfit have won their last five matches in this competition. That run has included away wins over Glasgow and Munster, a record any team would be proud of.

Last week the Bulls beat Edinburgh 42-33 in the quarterfinal after a poor start to the game. That is something Jake White’s side cannot afford this weekend as the Sharks may not allow them back in so easily.

Bulls Injuries & Team News

The Bulls biggest problem all season has been at flyhalf and it will continue this weekend. Johan Goosen is injury prone and will miss out again with Keagan Johannes set to fill the 10 jumper.

Sharks Form

The Sharks have been far better this season than they were last, however, with the team at their disposal, not quite good enough. A third-place finish on the table represents a decent showing, particularly with last season in mind.

The Durban outfit won 13 of their 18 round robin games. In their quarterfinal last Saturday, we saw an absolute thriller of a game against Munster.

After 80 minutes, the teams were locked at 24-24. Extra time failed to yield a winner either, so the game went into a kicking contest. The Sharks held their nerve to win it, but it was by the finest of margins.

Sharks Injuries & Team News

The Sharks have a very good squad of players. They are likely to make changes to their side, but the question remains, will Siya Kolisi start at eight or in his preferred flank position.

Verdict

Bulls v Sharks

I expect this match to be decided by a few points either way. Sharks are backed to get within the +8.5 handicap with a small layout on an upset win.

Sharks +8.5

Handicap

@10/11 - 3 Units

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Sharks Win

Result

@11/4 - 1 Unit

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