The Sharks and Bulls face a defining weekend in the Vodacom URC, with both heavyweight squads needing emphatic performances to back up their reputations, writes MARK KEOHANE.

Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane argues that the two teams’ limp defeats last week – the Sharks in Dublin against Leinster and the Bulls in Belfast against Ulster – leave no margin for excuses.

“Both must win – and win well this weekend,” he says.

John Plumtree has named a star-studded Sharks starting XV with 13 Springboks, 2024 SA Junior Springbok of the Year Jurenzo Julius, and flyhalf Siya Masuku, who shone in the 2023-24 Challenge Cup. But Keohane warns that pedigree means nothing without performance: “The Sharks, given the quality of a match 23 that has 17 internationals in the mix, should whip most teams playing at home in Durban.”

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Vincent Koch, Bongi Mbonambi and Eben Etzebeth are among the senior World Cup winners expected to step up, while winger Ethan Hooker continues to set the standard with his passion and workrate.

The Bulls, meanwhile, head to Galway to face Connacht after being “embarrassed in Belfast”, conceding 14 tries in three games.

Coach Johan Ackermann has made 11 changes to a match 23 still packed with 10 Springboks.

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Keohane notes that “the performance can’t be excused” after Ulster’s three-try blitz in seven minutes.

Jake White reached three URC finals without winning the title. Ackermann, Keohane says, must be held to the same standard.

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