The Sharks needed a late try and conversion to rescue their last match against Zebre in Durban. Picture: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images There will be some consolation, though little, for the Sharks if they can secure wins in their final two United Rugby Championship matches. Lying 10th and 11 points adrift of a play-off spot, the Durban union’s home matches against Italian sides Benetton and Zebre Parma over the next two Saturdays will be their last of the season.
It comes on the back of a decent, though still often criticised, 2024/25 year where the Sharks won theirmaiden URC South African Shield, and reached the semi-finals for the first time after finishing third on the table with 13 wins. The Sharks againcrashed out of the Champions and Challenge Cupspoorly this season. But with six wins, they are looking at a maximum of eight victories in the URC.
They already have the unenviable record ofnot winning a single game in Europe, something they at least achieved when they finished 14th in 2024. Overall, the Sharks have won eight out of 19 games across European competition so far. Seven of those victories were under new coach JP Pietersen, whose appointment sparked something of a revival at the proud union, reflected in a run of five wins out of seven games that better showcased the union’s incredible potential.
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But the honeymoon period ended. Pietersen now has a record of seven wins and seven losses since taking over from John Plumtree. The Sharks are on a three-match losing streak.
After inspiring wins against Munster and Cardiff, theylost 29-12 to Connachtin their Challenge Cup last-16 match in Galway despite holding a lead at half-time. Then they lost21-17 to Ospreysin Swansea and33-28 to Edinburghin Scotland. A win against 13th-ranked Benetton will not be so cut-and-dry.
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