Sloppy Sharks fall short to leaders Leinster
03/29/2025 03:29 PM
A second-half fightback from the Sharks wasn't enough to deny Vodacom URC front-runners Leinster victory in Durban on Saturday.
Trailing 5-0 at half time, the Sharks dominated possession but ultimately paid the price for 12 handling errors and numerous turnovers in a 10-7 defeat at Kings Park.
Leinster struck first through replacement Henry McErlean's try against a 14-man Sharks outfit, after scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse was yellow-carded for cynical play. The humid conditions further disrupted the flow, and the visitors defended resolutely to deny the Sharks just before the break.
The visitors extended their lead early in the second half when flanker Scott Penny powered over, but flyhalf Ciaran Frawley's second missed conversion kept the Sharks within reach.
Hooker Bongi Mbonambi responded for the hosts, crashing over from a lineout drive, with No 10 Jordan Hendrikse converting to narrow the gap to 10-7.
.@LeinsterRugby kick off the second half in style — it's been a one-team show tonight!@Vodacom#URC | #SHAvLEI | #RaceToTheEightpic.twitter.com/Sv8PWMkvyr
— vodacomrugby (@VodacomRugga) March 29, 2025
Head coach John Plumtree's tactical changes, including replacing his all-Springbok front row, were aimed at swinging momentum, but errors proved costly.
Substitute hooker Fez Mbatha's misfiring lineouts stalled crucial attacking opportunities, and with the clock winding down, captain Siya Kolisi opted for a corner kick instead of a game-tying penalty that came to naught.
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The result maintains Leinster's position atop the URC standings after bouncing back from their loss to the Vodacom Bulls last week, while the Sharks, who came into the match riding high from their victory over Zebre Parma, remain in fourth with four rounds left of the league stages in the race to the playoffs.
The Sharks now turn their attention to the EPCR Challenge Cup, where the defending champions face French outfit Lyon in a round-of-16 clash at the Matmut Stadium next Sunday.
Leinster, meanwhile, will host English club Harlequins at the Aviva Stadium in the Investec Champions Cup.
Slipped right through! Bongi with the stealthy finish @Vodacom#URC | #SHAvLEI | #RaceToTheEightpic.twitter.com/KVjb5ZNsDv
— vodacomrugby (@VodacomRugga) March 29, 2025
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
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