Luan Giliomee scored a brace while Vusi Moyo kicked 14 points as the Sharks opened their URC season with a five-try win against the Ospreys in Durban on Saturday.
The Sharks raced into a 28-14 half-time lead at Kings Park after a blistering opening 40 minutes in which they scored four tries, all converted by flyhalf Moyo, who also split the uprights with two penalties.
The hosts survived an early Ospreys response after the break before pulling away to secure a 41-24 bonus-point victory.
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JP Pietersen’s men finished 10th last season after the former Springbok took permanent charge in February, and Saturday afternoon’s result offers evidence his rebuild is on track.
A late change forced Pietersen’s hand before kick-off, with Janco Purchase drafted into midfield after inside centre Murray Koster was ruled out with a minor niggle.
Sharks skipper and No 8 Nick Hatton finished a slick attack after Jaden Hendrikse’s offload, before flanker Manu Tshituka crossed from another flowing move.
What a way to start the season 🦈🔥
Nick Hatton finishes a fantastic team move 👏
📺 Stream #VURC on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/bCbz1weXre
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) September 26, 2026
Fullback Giliomee then produced a superb solo effort to stretch the advantage to 21-0.
Like a hot knife through butter ⚡
Luan Giliomee with an unbelievable solo effort 🦈⚫
📺 Stream #VURC on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/2uvSZAKO88
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) September 26, 2026
The Ospreys hit back through winger Luke Morgan, but the Sharks restored their 21-point cushion when speedster Litelihle Bester won the race to a grubber.
Captain Sam Parry gave the visitors further hope on the stroke of half-time, finishing a powerful maul, with flyhalf Lawson Creighton splitting the uprights for a second time in the first stanza.
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Flanker Liam Wright reduced the deficit with a try shortly after the restart, but Moyo steadied the Sharks from the kicking tee.
Man of the Match Giliomee added another try from razor-sharp interplay, before the Welsh tourists replied through No 15 Lestyn Hopkins, yet the Durbanites controlled the closing stages to claim a convincing triumph.
Attention now turns to round two when the Sharks host defending champions Leinster next Saturday, while the Ospreys head up to Johannesburg to face the Lions.
SHARKS – Tries: Nick Hatton, Manu Tshituka, Luan Giliomee (2), Litelihle Bester. Conversions: Vusi Moyo (4), Siya Masuku. Penalties: Moyo (2).
OSPREYS – Tries: Luke Morgan, Sam Parry, Liam Wright, Iestyn Hopkins. Conversions: Lawson Creighton (2).
Photo: Gerhard Duraan/Gallo Images
