PICK OF THE SPORT: The Sharks and the Bulls are in the knockout stages of their respective competitions and it’s a tough test of character for both teams, writes Dylan Bettencourt.
It feels like it’s taken forever for the Sharks to start playing winning rugby, but their mojo could not have kicked in at a better time.
The Sharks should beat Edinburgh in their knock-out match in the European Challenge Cup (ECC) to be played in Durban, but Sharks fans are extremely frustrated as their team has struggled, match after match, to kick into gear.
But on Sunday they celebrated their return to form with a seven-try triumph over Zebre. The week before they beat Edinburgh in the United Rugby Championships.
And on Saturday they play the same Edinburgh side for a place in the last four of the ECC. The stakes could not be higher.
The Bulls are also riding high after dismantling Lyon with a nine-try victory last week.
Bulls fans, who are looking forward to another try fest when the Pretoria side take on Northampton in the Investec Champions Cup Saints, might be disappointed.
The truth is the Bulls are up against a formidable opponent. It will be a cold and windy night at Franklin Gardens in Northampton and the Saints have been playing their best rugby in a long time.
But never underestimate Jake White. He will have worked out a strategy to give the Bulls their best chance.
It’s going to be a tough grind, probably a low-scoring match with both teams focusing on defence.
Sharks vs Edinburgh on Saturday at 1.30pm.
Northampton Saints vs Vodacom Bulls on Saturday at 9pm.
Both matches will be live on DStv channel 201.
➤ With seven games left in the Premier League season, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City cannot afford to drop points.
Only one point separates all three teams, who will be desperate to emerge victorious come the end of the season.
With all three sides still in European competitions as well, every game from now will be like a final.
On Saturday, Manchester City will be at home against Luton Town at 4pm with a win taking them to the top of the table, for the time being.
Liverpool will then face Crystal Palace on Sunday at 3pm before Arsenal take on high-flying Aston Villa at 5.30pm.
The Gunners face the toughest fixture of the weekend – Aston Villa sit at fifth spot in the league standings.
Arsenal’s superior goal difference has them as the current league leaders, level with Liverpool going into the weekend.
All the action will be live on DStv channel 203.
➤ IPL action continues over the weekend with the Punjabi Kings taking on Rajasthan Royals at 4pm on Saturday.
Sunday will see two games take place with the Knight Riders facing the Super Giants at noon before Mumbai Indians take on Chennai Super Kings at 4pm.
All the IPL action will be live on DStv channel 212.
➤ The Nedbank Cup quarter-finals get underway on Friday with Mamelodi Sundowns taking on the University of Pretoria at 7pm.
In-form Stellenbosch will then host SuperSport United at 3pm on Saturday before Amazulu takes on Orlando Pirates at 6pm.
TS Galaxy will then face Chippa United at 3pm on Sunday.
All the action will be live on DStv channel 202.
Pictured above: Bongi and his Sharks team mates face Edinburgh on Saturday.
Image source: Arsenal/X
