Sharks on brink of SA Shield glory in URC, but Lions stand in their way

The Sharks have a golden opportunity to defend their South African Shield title on Saturday when they face the Lions at Ellis Park in a decisive United Rugby Championship (URC) derby.

Should the Durban side, currently on 16 points in the Shield, collect four points with a win, no other team will be able to overtake them, even though the Bulls and Stormers still have two local derbies apiece to play.

Ellis Park hosts the tournament’s restart after a two-week pause for the Six Nations, with the Lions (10 points) and Sharks the only sides in action before the rest rejoin the competition a week later. The teams will complete a Round 9 fixture that was postponed in December.

Securing the SA Shield would confirm the Springbok-laden Sharks as the best of the local sides for the second consecutive season. They won the title last season with a victory over the Lions. Yet, they will have their sights set on an even greater prize.

Ahead of meeting the Bulls in their final SA derby in a fortnight, the Durban outfit could break into the URC Top 8 for the first time this season. Considering their position just a couple of months ago, they have made significant strides under interim head coach JP Pietersen.

They appear to be a transformed team, playing with renewed belief, and the unity between senior and younger players is evident in their willingness to fight for one another. That spirit was on display against the Stormers in both coastal derbies, as they secured a first URC victory in Cape Town before following it up with a maiden double over the inaugural champions at Kings Park.

However, the next two derbies are away from home and present a sterner challenge than matches at the Shark Tank.

The Lions, meanwhile, will be reeling after a comprehensive home defeat to the Bulls. They are certain to come out firing on Saturday as they attempt to wrestle the Shield race back in their favour.

Currently second in the SA Shield standings, the hosts remain in contention for top spot, and a win this weekend would significantly boost their chances. They need renewed momentum after being outplayed by the Bulls, and with the Stormers still to come in their final game, there remains a pathway to a surprise Shield triumph.

But the hard work begins on Saturday against a confident Sharks side.

There is further incentive for the Lions: a victory or even two points from the clash would be enough to propel them into the Top 8. They currently sit outside the play-off places but could leapfrog the Bulls and Ospreys into a knockout berth.

This, combined with the battle for the SA Shield, should provide ample motivation for a great spectacle as local rugby returns after a two-week hiatus.