Sharks stayed in the fight

On Apr 27, 2025

Coach John Plumtree says the Sharks have a “lot of work to do” if they are to win a maiden Vodacom URC title this season.

Having pipped Edinburgh 18-17 at Hive Stadium last week, the Sharks secured another valuable comeback victory against Ulster in Belfast on Saturday night. As a result, they remain fourth on the URC log, seven points ahead of Cardiff (who beat Munster) and five behind the Vodacom Bulls (who beat Glasgow).

Captain Eben Etzebeth’s late withdrawal from the match with a bout of flu was a significant setback, and the Sharks fell 19-0 behind after 31 minutes. Following a scoreless third quarter, Sharks replacements Emmanuel Tshituka and Jurenzo Julius led a Sharks revival, with flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse kicking the conversions and then a penalty from in front of the posts to clinch a 21-19 win.

RECAP: Hendrikse leads Sharks comeback

“In the first half an hour, there were too many errors, some defensive lapses and we didn’t build enough pressure,” said Plumtree who was much happier with his side’s second-half performance.

“We dominated the gain line, the boys’ confidence came back up and we scored. Then we thought we could get the game if we got the right amount of territory and possession.

“It was another great test for us in terms of our ability to hang in the fight, stay in contention for a win and then close it out.

“Some real positives around our willingness to win close games, but we’ve got a lot of work to do if we want to win this championship and that’s what we will endeavour to do when we get back home.”

The Sharks finish their league-stage campaign with matches against two Welsh clubs, the Ospreys (9 May) and Scarlets (17 May), at Kings Park.