While the Six Nations dominates the rugby landscape in the northern hemisphere, the South African sides are catching up for lost time this week.
The likes of Glasgow and Leinster are flying high at the top of the URC table, with some impressive results and performances in recent weeks, but with national team commitments sure to be a distraction for many during the Six Nations, the South African sides will be eager to cash in.
For the Stormers and the Bulls, this game week is a welcome opportunity to give key players a rest, with some huge games on the horizon.
This weekend, however, pits the Lions against the Sharks in Johannesburg, a match that has been rescheduled from game week eight, and both teams should be fit and firing here.
Both sides have 24 points from their opening ten games and are separated by a points difference, meaning this one should be closely fought at Ellis Park on Saturday, 21st February 2026.
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Claim Welcome Bonus!Lions vs. Sharks Predictions
Saturday 21/2/26
Match Odds (Winner):
Lions – $1.97
Sharks – $1.83
As mentioned, there is very little to split these sides on paper and that is reflected in the URC table standings. With the visitors the Sharks residing in ninth and the hosts Lions in tenth, both teams may view it as a relatively disappointing campaign thus far.
Results have been very hard to come by of late for the Lions, who are yet to pick up a win as yet in the URC in 2026. That said, they dug deep to pick up a draw in Wales against the Ospreys in round ten, but their form has been patchy and the have lacked consistency.
The narrative is changing for the Sharks, who outclassed the high-flying Stormers in both of their last two URC games and are starting to climb the table as a result.
With plenty of their key men back, they should be bang up for this one and they know what it takes to win domestic tussles like this.
Result Prediction: Sharks to win the match @ 1.83
Coming into this one fresh off the back of two wins over the Stormers should be a real confidence booster for the Sharks. Going to Ellis Park and winning is never easy but momentum is with the Sharks, and they always look to play expansive rugby.
Best Bet
Although closely matched on paper and in the URC table, these two sides are coming into this one from contrasting angles.
Lions have huffed and puffed for a few weeks now, and they can struggle to break teams down, even when playing at home.
For the Sharks, picking up where they left off is key, and they could do a serious number on the Lions in this one.
