URC result: Sharks secure bonus-point win against Ospreys in Durban

The Sharks’ dream of a top-two finish in the United Rugby Championship is alive and well after a commanding bonus-point win over the Ospreys at Kings Park Stadium in Durban on Friday.

The 29–10 result means the Sharks still lie fourth on the table. However, they are even on points with the Bulls and lie just one point behind Glasgow Warriors, who, although they have a game in hand, have tough away fixtures against Benetton and URC leaders Leinster left this season.

The gap in skill between the Sharks and 11th-ranked Ospreys was evident just about from the get-go. The Sharks, also playing at home, proved better in discipline and won most of the contests at the breakdown.

The players who led with the most carries, line breaks, and turnovers all came from the Durban side.

The only blemish on the Sharks’ performance was an injury to captain Eben Etzebeth, who has already missed much of the season recovering from a concussion.

Sharks dominate Ospreys

The Ospreys wasted no time putting points on the board, securing a penalty kick within the first minute of the game. It was the first and only time the visitors led on the scoreboard.

The Sharks responded nine minutes later with lock Jason Jenkins crashing over for a converted try.

The score remained unchanged with the Sharks applying pressure until centre André Esterhuizen broke the line to score in the 34th minute. That left it 14–3 at the break.

Ethan Hooker extended the lead after Ospreys spilled an up-and-under in the 52nd minute. However, Ospreys pulled one back right at the start of the final quarter through a try from a maul from substitute Sam Parry. That made it 21–10 to the Sharks.

But it was not to be. Sharks substitute Phepsi Buthelezi scored the bonus-point try from a gorgeous cross kick by Aphelele Fassi in the 65th minute to put the result beyond doubt.

Scorers

Sharks: Tries – Jason Jenkins, André Esterhuizen, Ethan Hooker, Phepsi Buthelezi. Conversions – Siya Masuku 2/3, Aphelele Fassi 1/1. Penalties – Masuku 1/1.

Ospreys: Tries – Sam Parry. Conversions – Dan Edwards 1/1. Penalties – Edwards 1/1.