Bulls, Sharks to serve another epic at Loftus

A BULLS v Sharks knockout/playoff clash will always be one for the ages and the United Rugby Championship semi-final between the two at Loftus Versfeld today at 6.15pm, is sure serve another epic storyline.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN [e-mail] MIKE GREENAWAY [e-mail]

Judging by the quarter-final scorelines, Bulls beat Edinburgh 42-33 while Sharks had to be clinical in the penalty shootout to go past Munster after a 24-24 extra time draw, there is no denying the home side a favourite's tag.

The good news for South African rugby is that Mzansi already has a team in the final.

Independent Newspapers rugbby writers Leighton Koopman and Mike Greenaway explain which side will win and why.

Bulls boast lineout superiority over opponents

As South Africa’s form side in the United Rugby Championship, boosted by home advantage and a team that peaked at the right time of the year, the Bulls are in the inside lane to win the semi-final against the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld this evening.

Their dominating scrum and physical forwards will give them the edge over the Sharks who had a thing of late to only arrive in the second half.

While the competition at scrum time will be the perfect test of strength versus strength, it’s the Bulls’ overpowering scrum that will drive the visitors into submission.