The Hollywoodbets Sharks are set to host the Lions in a highly anticipated United Rugby Championship clash at the Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban on Saturday. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:30 (SA Time), with this festive derby promising a fiercely contested South African showdown.
The rivalry between the Sharks and Lions has generated considerable drama in recent years. While the Lions claimed their first-ever win at Kings Park in a previous URC meeting, the Sharks still hold a 4-1 advantage in their last five encounters. The hosts will be eager to capitalise on their home ground advantage and recent momentum as they seek another victory.
Heading into Round 9, the Lions sit 8th on the table with 17 points, while the Sharks are 13th with 12 points. Both teams are coming off URC defeats and will be desperate for a crucial win to improve their standings in the 2025/2026 season.
The Sharks recently celebrated a hard-fought 21-12 home victory over the Bulls, marking their third consecutive win in the current URC campaign. Renowned for their powerful and physical style of play, the Sharks rely on a dominant forward pack. Their squad is further bolstered by the return of several Springboks, who are back from rest protocols and injury.
Under interim coach JP Pietersen, the Sharks have won their first two matches, beating Saracens in the Investec Champions Cup and the Bulls in the URC. However, they remain fourth from bottom on the URC log and will be determined to close the gap on the teams above them with another home win.
In the build-up to the match, news broke that Siya Kolisi will return to the Stormers at the end of the season. The Sharks will be hoping for a big final push from their Springbok captain in his last five months in Durban.
The Lions, meanwhile, are known for their expansive and attacking brand of rugby. Despite a challenging run of fixtures, including losses to the Stormers and Newcastle Falcons in December 2025, and injuries in the backline, they have placed extra emphasis on discipline and set-piece execution as they look to bounce back in Durban.
It remains to be seen what Ivan van Rooyen’s side will produce against the Sharks at Kings Park on Saturday. After a disappointing start to the tournament, the Lions notched wins over Ulster, Scarlets, and the Bulls, but have since suffered back-to-back close defeats in the EPCR Challenge against the Newcastle Red Bulls (10-14) and a URC loss to the Stormers (27-34).