Ulster fought to a bonus-point victory over the Sharks at Kings Park on Saturday to deal a significant blow to the Durbanites’ hopes of finishing inside the Vodacom United Rugby Championship top four.
A 31-24 win saw Ulster bounce back from their loss to Glasgow Warriors last week and cut the gap on the second-placed DHL Stormers to just five points, with both teams having now played 14 games.
While the Sharks were able to snatch both a losing bonus point and four-try bonus thanks to the returning Boeta Chamberlain’s second-half score, they missed out on the opportunity to climb into fifth place on the log.
Grant Williams’ try in the opening play gave the Sharks a lightning start to the match, but they were evenly matched by a determined Ulster side, with Duane Vermeulen leading the charge and causing the home side no end of problems at the breakdown.
You can't take your eyes off Grant Williams for a second! ?
What a start for the Cell C @SharksRugby ?@Vodacom #URC | #SHAvULS pic.twitter.com/slXtQMXAEH
— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) February 25, 2023
A brace of tries from Ulster hooker Tom Stewart gave the visitors a 17-12 lead at the break and they took that momentum into the second half when, two minutes into the second half, Stewart Moore was controversially awarded a try for diving on a ball at the base of Sharks ruck near the goal line.
Fast thinking from Stewart Moore earns @UlsterRugby a fast start to the second half ?#SHAvULS | @Vodacom #URC | #UnitedWeRise pic.twitter.com/hMrORf65rG
— vodacomrugby (@VodacomRugga) February 25, 2023
Tries from Ntuthuko Mchunu and Chamberlain gave the Sharks hope of perhaps snatching a late draw, but Ulster held out for what could be a significant away win.
The Cell C @SharksRugby fought well, but @UlsterRugby came through some late pressure to win by 7 in Durban ? @Vodacom #URC | #SHAvULS pic.twitter.com/ulFrmKrf8e
— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) February 25, 2023
Photo: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images