The Sharks overpowered Ulster with a strong second-half performance to claim just their second win of the Vodacom URC season in Durban on Saturday.
With the score 7-7 at half time, the Sharks scored two second-half tries to claim a 22-12 victory at Kings Park, following a round 11 defeat to the Lions in Johannesburg two weeks ago.
Ulster openside flanker Harry Sheridan crashed over next to the uprights for the opening score, with flyhalf Billy Burns adding the extras, at the close of the first quarter. Sharks skipper Lukhanyo Am appeared to hold up Sheridan but the try was awarded following a TMO review.
The hosts restored parity before the break when No 10 Siya Masuku converted the second touchdown of the half, loose forward Phepsi Buthelezi dotting down after an impressive dash up field by inside centre Ethan Hooker.
Hooker & Buthelezi show us the meaning of haste! 👏@sharksrugby are level at the half. #BKTURC #URC | #SHAvULS pic.twitter.com/mnGc2AGywp
— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) March 23, 2024
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Now THAT is some beautiful rugby. @sharksrugby lead as Eduan Keyter finishes a delightful move 😍#BKTURC #URC | #SHAvULS pic.twitter.com/mutNyUJxMM
— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) March 23, 2024
Right winger Eduan Keyter followed up on a Makazole Mapimpi grubber and crossed the whitewash after the restart, but the visitors closed the gap to five with 20 minutes left to play thanks to an unconverted close-range score from lock Kieran Treadwell.
Sharks hooker Bongi Mbonambi scored their third of the game off the back of a powerful maul, Ulster down to 13 men and blindside flanker Vincent Tshituka also having earned 10 minutes on the naughty chair for the home side.
The Sharks will now refocus for a visit from Edinburgh next Saturday, but head coach John Plumtree will be sweating the availability of No 8 George Cronje who made an early exit from the match with what appeared to be a serious knee injury.
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images