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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.