URC: Sharks hold on for crucial win over table-topping Leinster

The Sharks had to defend for their lives in the latter stages of their United Rugby Championship match with Leinster.

Returning to the field for the first time since the floods that claimed more than 300 lives in the Province, the Sharks showed tremendous character in front of the Kings Park faithful who braved yet more wet weather to watch their side move into the top four with a bonus-point 28-23 win.

Sharks get vital bonus-point win

Their were several critical moments in the game but each of the four Sharks scores had their own significance.

Makazole Mapimpi’s intercept try got the Sharks on the board and made up for the hosts’ profligacy after early dominance.

Curwin Bosch missed two early penalties but was spot on with all four conversions.

Sharks coaching staff promised X-factor from Aphelele Fassi and he delivered to set up Jaden Hendrikse’s try with a sublime run on a kick return.

A brave comeback

The Sharks trailed 14-17 at the break and Leinster’s Ciaran Frawley would slot a penalty goal early in the second half to give the Irish side a six-point buffer.

Bongi Mbonambi put in a shift and his man of the match performance was capped by a 48th minute maul try, converted by Bosch to give the Sharks the lead for the first time.

It was a short-lived lead though as Frawley added his third penalty goal five minutes later. 

However, Leinster’s discipline was let them down. Two of their players found themselves in the sin bin midway through the second half. The Sharks had opportunities to score during this time but lacked a finish.

Finally, Phepsi Buthelezi powered over from an attacking scrum, proving unstoppable from short range.

The home side saw Kerron van Vuuren yellow carded after the hooter, but despite being shorthanded, they defended manfully, eventually holding Leinster up over the line in the final passage of play.

As a result the Sharks move up to fourth on the URC Standings joining the Stormers in the home quarterfinal places.