Rainbow Cup | Sharks have a point to prove against Bulls in ‘South’ decider

The Sharks host the Bulls in Durban in the match that will decide the team to represent the ‘South’ and South Africa in the final of the Rainbow Cup.

The winner of the ‘South’ is set to take on Benetton on 19 June.

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Either the Sharks or the Bulls will represent South Africa in the final of the Rainbow Cup.

Benetton booked their spot in the final after their match against Ospreys was cancelled. The Italians were the only undefeated side in the competition across both hemispheres. They have shocked rugby pundits after finishing above the more-favoured sides like Leicester, Munster, Ulster and Glasgow.

THE SHARKS NEED A DOMINANT BONUS-POINT VICTORY

The Sharks will need a bonus-point victory over Jake White’s Bulls side. They will have to deny them of any log points if they are to represent South Africa in the “North vs South” final. For Sean Everitt’s team, it is about more than the Rainbow Cup, his side has a point to prove against their long-standing rivals.

The last time the sides met, White’s side were dominant 43-9 winners. This would have damaged the pride of the players who felt bullied physically and disappointed at the scoreline. Losing to rivals is always tough, but the scoreline will have bruised the players’ egos.

The Sharks need to win to restore pride and respect.

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Everitt’s men has to ensure that the Bulls do not secure a losing bonus point.

The Durban based-outfit will need to score four tries and win by eight or more points. It is certainly not beyond a side that possesses such attacking prowess.

They have game-breakers across the park in Makazole Mapimpi, Anthony Volmink and Aphelele Fassi. The Sharks were able to beat the Bulls the last time two times the sides clashed in Durban. They were comprehensively beaten in their recent clash at Loftus Versfeld though after being bullied up front.

The Sharks will be going all-out with Springbok Siya Kolisi aiming to build confidence ahead of the British & Irish Lions series.