The Sharks begin their 2026/27 United Rugby Championship campaign at home on Saturday when they welcome the Ospreys to Hollywoodbets Kings Park.
After finishing 10th last season despite ending the campaign with consecutive victories, the Durban side will be determined to make a stronger start this time around.
JP Pietersen’s team have plenty of attacking weapons at their disposal and will be looking to turn that potential into consistent results from the opening round.
Sharks looking to make home advantage count
Kings Park has proved a difficult venue for visiting URC teams, with the Sharks losing only once in their last eight league matches at home.
That record will provide confidence as Nick Hatton leads a strong Sharks side into their opening fixture.
The Sharks were among the competition’s more productive attacking teams last season, averaging four tries per match.
Their lineout attack was particularly effective, accounting for 34.7% of their tries — the highest proportion in the competition.
That strength could again be an important feature of their game as they look to put the Ospreys under pressure.
Hatton excited by home opener
Sharks captain Nick Hatton believes there is added excitement around beginning the campaign in front of a home crowd.
“The start of the season is really exciting and playing at home for a change is really cool,” Hatton said.
He also highlighted the importance of having the Sharks supporters behind the team.
“All the teams want to start well, whether that’s at home or away, but playing at home is super exciting. We have awesome fans and we’ve missed them, so we’re looking forward to playing in front of our home supporters.”
Ospreys face tough South African record
The Ospreys arrive in Durban with recent history working against them.
The Welsh side have lost their last five URC matches in South Africa, while the Sharks have won the last four meetings between these teams.
That run includes a 29-10 Sharks victory in May 2025.
The visitors will therefore be looking to end two unwanted streaks when they take on Pietersen’s side at Kings Park.
LIVE SCORING: Sharks vs Ospreys
Kick-off is scheduled for 16:00 South African time on Saturday, 26 September.
Follow the live score and key developments from Kings Park as the Sharks begin their URC campaign against the Ospreys.
Sharks vs Ospreys
Competition: United Rugby Championship
Date: Saturday, 26 September 2026
Venue: Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 16:00 SA time
Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi
TV: SuperSport
Sharks XV
15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Murray Koster, 11 Litelihle Bester, 10 Vusi Moyo, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Nick Hatton (captain), 7 Manu Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Phatu Ganyane.
Replacements: Esethu Mnebelele, Nemo Roelofse, Hanro Jacobs, Jason Jenkins, Matt Romao, Ivan van Zyl, Siya Masuku, Zekhethelo Siyaya.
Ospreys XV
15 Iestyn Hopkins, 14 Tom Rogers, 13 Owen Watkin (co-captain), 12 Lalakai Foketi, 11 Luke Morgan, 10 Lawson Creighton, 9 Luke Davies, 8 Morgan Morris, 7 Ross Moriarty, 6 Liam Wright, 5 Rhys Davies, 4 James Ratti, 3 Tom Botha, 2 Sam Parry (co-captain), 1 Steffan Thomas.
Replacements: Efan Daniel, Gareth Thomas, Rhys Henry, Ryan Smith, Harri Deaves, Kieran Hardy, Harri Wilde, Evardi Bosho.
