Ulster spoil Sharks’ homecoming despite Springbok-packed lineup

There was no happy homecoming for the star-studded Sharks as Ulster beat them 34–26 in their United Rugby Championship clash at Kings Park on Saturday afternoon.

Coach John Plumtree fielded a starting lineup featuring 13 Springboks, but the wholesale changes appeared to disrupt the team’s rhythm and cohesion against an Ulster side that made it three wins from three to start the campaign.

The Sharks’ powerful pack made an early statement by winning a penalty at the first scrum, but it was the visitors who struck first. They moved the ball slickly down the left flank for fullback Michael Lowry to score in the fifth minute, with flyhalf Nathan Doak adding the conversion.

Despite growing into the contest, the Sharks were hampered by handling errors and poor execution, while Siya Masuku missed a kickable penalty. Ulster punished the hosts’ indiscipline in the 15th minute as Doak slotted another penalty to stretch the lead to 10–0.

The Sharks nearly hit back when Eben Etzebeth powered over, but the try was ruled held up. Masuku then struck the upright with another penalty attempt, before wing Werner Kok punished some slack defence to score Ulster’s second try. Doak’s flawless boot made it 17–0.

Although the Sharks continued to dominate at scrum time, they battled to break down Ulster’s organised defensive wall. Brief sparks from Jurenzo Julius and Makazole Mapimpi offered hope, but chances went begging until a powerful lineout maul saw Siya Kolisi crash over. Masuku missed the conversion in the swirling wind.

Doak replied with another penalty shortly before halftime to give Ulster a 20–5 lead at the break.

The second half began promisingly for the hosts, their dominant scrum again providing a platform. Grant Williams’ looping pass found Mapimpi in space to score in the corner, and Masuku converted to make it 20–12. But momentum swung when Vincent Koch was shown a yellow card for a tip tackle.

Ulster immediately capitalised. Kok tore down the right flank before Tom Stewart dotted down for Ulster’s third try. In the buildup, Mapimpi was also shown a yellow for another tip tackle — later upgraded to red — leaving the Sharks a man short and 15 points down with 20 minutes to play.

The home side’s scrum again came to their rescue as they earned a penalty try in the 63rd minute, with Ulster also reduced to 14 men. However, the Irish side quickly responded when Callum Reid scored a controversial bonus-point try, despite inconclusive replays of the grounding.

The Sharks refused to quit, and André Esterhuizen bulldozed over for their fourth try. Replacement flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse slotted a brilliant conversion to close the gap to 34–26 with just over five minutes remaining.

Ulster, though, closed out the match expertly, controlling possession and forcing key turnovers to deny the Sharks even a losing bonus point — leaving the Durban side with only the four-try bonus point to show for their efforts.

Points-scorers

Sharks – Tries: Kolisi, Mapimpi, Penalty try, Esterhuizen. Conversions: Masuku

Ulster – Tries: Lowry, Kok; Stewart, Reid. Conversations: Doak (4). Penalties: Doak 2