Nothing beats a Saturday afternoon at Ellis Park when the sun is out, a proper mouth-watering steak on the charcoals, and two of our biggest local teams are ready to go head-to-head.
On February 21, 2026, the Lions host the Sharks in a match that is about much more than just league points, it is about bragging rights and momentum as the United Rugby Championship (URC) season enters its most critical phase.
Whether you are watching from the stands or from your backyard with a cold one in hand, here is everything you need to know about this massive JHB vs. Durban clash.
The Head-to-Head: Lions Dominating the Derby
Even though the Sharks usually have the “big name” Springboks, the Lions have become a real thorn in their side lately. Earlier this year, in January 2026, the Lions pulled off a dramatic 23–22 win over the Sharks in Durban, thanks to a last-minute solo try by young Junior Bok scrum-half Haashim Pead.
Looking back at the last few seasons, the Lions have actually held the upper hand. They have won four out of the last five meetings between these two across all venues. The altitude in Johannesburg always plays a role, and the Lions love to use their fast pitch to run the big Durban boys off their feet.
Player Performances: Who to Watch?
The Lions: The Young Guns
The Lions are all about energy and speed. Keep an eye on:
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Francke Horn: The captain is the heartbeat of the team. He is excellent at the back of the scrum and always seems to score a try when the team needs it most.
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Haashim Pead: After his heroics in Durban, this youngster is the new fan favourite. His service from the breakdown is lightning fast.
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Asenathi Ntlabakanye: The big prop is a cult hero in Joburg. He isn’t just there for the scrums; his ball-carrying in open play is terrifying for any defender.
The Sharks: The Star Power
The Sharks have been improving under JP Pietersen and bring some serious muscle:
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Siya Kolisi: The national captain is playing some of his best rugby for the Sharks right now. His work at the breakdown will be key to stopping the Lions’ flow.
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Aphelele Fassi: Known as the “Weekend Special,” Fassi is lethal in counter-attacks. If the Lions kick poorly, he will punish them.
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Jordan Hendrikse: Playing against his former team, Jordan is looking to cement his place as the Sharks’ general at 10. He’ll be linking up with his brother, Jaden, to form a dangerous halfback pairing for the Durban side.
Our Prediction
The Sharks are currently on a good run of form, having recently beaten the Stormers and the Bulls. They look more settled than they did at the start of the season. However, the Lions at Ellis Park are a different beast. They play a high-tempo game that is very hard to defend for 80 minutes at altitude.
It is going to be a high-scoring game with plenty of tries. We think the Lions might just edge it again in the final ten minutes.
Final Score Prediction: Lions 31 – 27 Sharks
Fan Polls: Have Your Say!
We want to know what you think. Who are you backing this weekend? Vote in our live polls below.