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5d ago

Sharks Finish on a High as South Africa Locks In Three URC Quarterfinal Places

South Africa sends three teams to the knockouts after a season that pushed the Sharks into a youth-driven rebuild.

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JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 21: Morne Van den Berg of Fidelity SecureDrive Lions is pulled down by Ross Thompson of Edinburgh during the United Rugby Championship match between Fidelity SecureDrive Lions and Edinburgh at Ellis Park on March 21, 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Gallo Images)
John Hodnett of Munster is tackled by SJ Kotze of the Lions during their URC match at Thomond Park in Limerick over the past weekend. Picture: Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile via Getty Images
The Bulls players will be preparing themselves for a URC quarterfinal clash against Munster at Loftus next weekend. Picture: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images

Overview

  • The Sharks routed Zebre 54-19 in Durban on Saturday, with Siya Kolisi scoring twice in his farewell and 19-year-old Vusi Moyo marking his debut with 15 points, yet they still finished 10th and missed the play-offs.
  • Head coach JP Pietersen said the late surge showed the Sharks had found their identity, crediting teenagers and young call-ups after a year of injuries and a midseason coaching change.
  • The URC quarterfinals are set, with the Bulls hosting Munster and the Stormers hosting Cardiff on Saturday, May 30, after Glasgow face Connacht on Friday, May 29, and Leinster host the Lions on Saturday night.
  • The Lions confirmed on Monday they will stay in Ireland to prepare for Leinster in Dublin, as scrumhalf Morne van den Berg returned home with a bicep injury and Henco van Wyk and captain Francke Horn awaited scan results.
  • Looking to next season, the Sharks have started to reinforce by signing Springbok prop Thomas du Toit and former Bok scrumhalf Ivan van Zyl, alongside further additions highlighted by the club.