The Sharks have opened up a commanding lead in the race for the Vodacom URC SA Shield following back-to-back bonus-point victories over the Stormers in Cape Town and Durban.
JP Pietersen’s side now sits on 16 points on the SA Shield standings after playing four local derbies, with the second-placed Lions on 10. The Stormers have slipped to third with nine points, while the Vodacom Bulls trail them by just two points after winning big at Ellis Park.
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Each South African team faces the other local sides twice – home and away – while also playing teams from the other regional groups once, with venues alternating each season. Only South African derbies count towards the SA Shield log.
Historically, the Stormers have been the most successful SA Shield side, lifting the trophy twice, while the Bulls and Sharks have each claimed it once.
The Sharks now head into the business end of the campaign as defending Shield holders and with momentum firmly on their side, but have away derbies against the Lions and Bulls to contend with. The Stormers will also be playing their remaining two Shield matches away.
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SA Shield results:
Bulls 33 Lions 43
Stormers 34 Lions 27
Sharks 21 Bulls 12
Sharks 22 Lions 23
Stormers 13 Bulls 8
Stormers 19 Sharks 30
Lions 17 Bulls 52
Sharks 36 Stormers 24
STATE OF THE URC: Sharks, Bulls go into break on high
SA Shield fixtures:
Saturday, 21 February
Lions vs Sharks (2pm)
Saturday, 28 February
Lions vs Stormers (2:30pm)
Bulls vs Sharks (5pm)
Saturday, 14 March
Bulls vs Stormers (2pm)

Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
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