Johannesburg, South Africa – The Lions and Sharks will renew their United Rugby Championship (URC) rivalry this Saturday at Ellis Park, a rescheduled clash that carries significant weight for both South African sides. While a full URC round is slated for next weekend, this fixture takes center stage, offering a crucial opportunity for both teams to improve their playoff positioning.
The Sharks have experienced a dramatic shift in momentum, fueled by consecutive victories over the Stormers. Prior to those matches, they languished in 14th place on the URC log, seemingly out of contention for a playoff berth. However, maximum points from both encounters against their coastal rivals have propelled them to ninth, firmly back in the quarter-final conversation. The turnaround has coincided with growing expectations that JP Pietersen will be appointed as the Sharks’ permanent head coach, with the coaching structure expected to be finalized soon.
Conversely, the Lions are facing a crisis of confidence. Once considered the second-best South African team in the URC behind the Stormers, their campaign has unravelled in recent weeks. A humbling 52-17 defeat to the Bulls at Ellis Park on January 31st, coupled with other results, has seen them plummet to 10th place, becoming the lowest-ranked of the four South African teams. Head coach Ivan van Rooyen and his staff will have spent the three-week break in URC action searching for answers to reverse their fortunes.
The recent history between these two teams at Ellis Park is compelling. The Lions have won two of the last four URC matches played at their home ground, including a dominant 38-14 victory in their most recent meeting on March 1st, 2025. That match, played in challenging wet conditions, saw the Lions utilize their forward power and territorial kicking game to build a commanding lead. Hooker PJ Botha and No. 8 Francke Horn both scored from driving mauls in the first half, while winger Edwill van der Merwe added a third try before the break.
However, the Sharks have also tasted success in Johannesburg, winning the first two URC clashes between the teams at Ellis Park. The overall head-to-head record is closely contested, with the Lions having won three of the last five meetings and the Sharks taking two. Their most recent clash prior to the March 2025 encounter saw the Sharks edge the Lions 25-22 in a tightly fought match decided in the final stages in January 2026.
Saturday’s match also carries implications for the SA Shield log points. The Sharks currently lead the standings with 16 points after four derby matches, followed by the Lions (10), Stormers (9), and Bulls (7). Securing additional SA Shield points will be a key objective for both teams as they strive to improve their overall URC standings.
The stakes are high, and the match promises to be a high-scoring affair. Across the four URC matches between the sides at Ellis Park, an average of 55 points per match have been scored, suggesting a thrilling contest is in store. The Lions will be desperate to regain their form and reignite their playoff hopes, while the Sharks will look to continue their upward trajectory and cement their position in the top eight.
Beyond this weekend, the URC schedule remains packed. Round 12 action on February 28th will see the Lions host the Stormers and the Sharks travel to Pretoria to face the Bulls. The congested calendar also includes Six Nations matches on February 21st and March 6-7th, as well as further URC rounds in March and April, culminating in the Investec Champions Cup knockout stages.
Round 8 Fixture (Rescheduled)
Saturday, February 21st
Lions vs. Sharks (2:00 PM SAST)
Round 12 Fixtures
Friday, February 27th
Cardiff vs. Leinster (9:00 PM SAST)
Edinburgh vs. Scarlets (9:45 PM SAST)
Saturday, February 28th
Lions vs. Stormers (2:30 PM SAST)
Bulls vs. Sharks (5:00 PM SAST)
Connacht vs. Glasgow Warriors (5:00 PM SAST)
Dragons vs. Benetton (7:30 PM SAST)
Munster vs. Zebre (7:30 PM SAST)
Ospreys vs. Ulster (9:45 PM SAST)
