Bulls vs Sharks Preview & Tips - Bulls backed to defend their title in tight tussle

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 10 Sep 2021

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Ralph Staniforth 10 Sep 2021

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Bulls vs Sharks predictions for Saturday’s Currie Cup final
Match is being played at 16:00 BST at Loftus Versfeld
Can the Bulls retain the Currie Cup?
Preview, tips, team news & stats

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Bulls tipped to win Currie Cup (Getty Images)

Bulls vs Sharks Preview & Tips

The Bulls have been quality throughout the season. They are extremely difficult to beat at home, I don't see the Sharks upsetting the odds here.

Bulls vs Sharks Preview & Tips
Head to Head
Bulls Form
Bulls Team News
Sharks Form
Sharks Team News
Bulls vs Sharks FAQ

Bulls have won 3 of their last 4 matches against the Sharks.
Bulls have won 5 of their last 6 home matches.
Bulls are the defending Currie Cup champions.
Sharks have lost by less than 12 points in 2 of their last 3 matches against the Bulls.

Head to Head

The Bulls lead 3-1 in their last four matches against the Sharks. Generally these teams are well matched with only a few points separating them.

Earlier this season the Sharks beat the Bulls 35-28 in Durban. This is a repeat Currie Cup final from last season, a match the Bulls won in extra time.

Bulls Form

The Bulls topped the 2021 Currie Cup table with eight wins from their 12 matches. They only lost twice, one of those defeats came against the Sharks in Durban.

Since losing 35-28 away at the Sharks, the Bulls have won five on the trot. They have been dominant in that run, beating Griquas 56-33, Lions 48-21, Pumas 33-26 and the Cheetahs 39-36 in the final round robin match.

Last week the Bulls hosted Western Province in the semi-final. In a dominant first half performance, the Bulls blew the visitors away, eventually winning 48-31.

The only defeat the Bulls have suffered at home this season came on the opening weekend to Western Province. That was when their best side were playing in Italy and they fielded a severely under-strength side.

Bulls Team News

Head coach Jake White suffered a big blow this week with star flyhalf, Johan Goosen ruled out. The internationally capped Goosen tested positive for COVID-19.

The rest of the squad is available for selection.

Sharks Form

The Sharks finished the round robin stage of the Currie Cup in second place behind the Bulls. They only managed five wins in their 12 matches but did have a number of games called off due to COVID-19.

The Durban-based outfit however comes into the final in good form. They have won four of their last five matches and that run began with a 35-28 home win over the Bulls.

The Sharks then beat the Cheetahs 38-31 before seeing off the Lions 56-14. Their one defeat came in the final round robin match as Western Province upset the odds to win 35-24 in Durban.

Last week the Griquas travelled to Durban for the semi-final. It was a tight contest but the Sharks looked in control for most of the 80 minutes. They won 28-24.

Sharks Team News

Sean Everitt has stuck with the tried and tested. There are no injury concerns so the Sharks will start the match with the same side that featured last weekend.

Bulls vs Sharks FAQ

Where can I watch Bulls vs Sharks live stream?

Check our live streaming calendar to see where to watch Bulls vs Sharks live stream.

Verdict

Bulls v Sharks

The Bulls and Sharks come into this match in fine form but it is the home advantage that edges it in the Bulls favour. I am backing the Bulls to win by 1-12 points.