United Rugby Championship: Sharks Stun Ulster with Epic 22-Point Comeback to Keep URC Playoff Hopes Alive
The Sharks produced a stirring comeback to seal a gritty 22-19 victory over Ulster Rugby in a tense United Rugby Championship (URC) encounter on Saturday night at Kingspan Stadium. Despite a disastrous first half that saw them trail 19-0 within the opening 30 minutes, the Durban-based outfit clawed their way back with sheer resilience and a late penalty to clinch four vital log points on the road.
Without Springbok giant Eben Etzebeth — ruled out with flu — the Sharks reshuffled their pack, with Vincent Tshituka shifting to lock and brother Manu Tshituka filling the gap in the loose trio. The brothers were standout performers as the Sharks refused to wilt under early pressure.
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Ulster started with a bang as fly-half Jack Murphy and center Jude Postlethwaite crossed early, while scrum half Nathan Doak added a third after a Sharks' attacking move collapsed into a devastating counterattack. But just before halftime, the Sharks finally found some momentum. Makazole Mapimpi finished off a sweeping move, although a controversial TMO decision denied him a second try moments later, with the officials judging a flat pass from Aphelele Fassi as forward — a decision that left the visitors 19-5 down at the break.
Determined not to leave empty-handed, the Sharks dominated territory in the second half. After several missed chances, Vincent Tshituka muscled over the line to close the gap to 19-12. Substitute Jurenzo Julius, replacing Lukhanyo Am, then danced through the Ulster defense to level the scores at 19-19 following a composed conversion by Jordan Hendrikse.
With just minutes left, Hendrikse held his nerve to slot a decisive penalty and complete a remarkable comeback for the visitors.
Points Scorers:
- Sharks 22: Tries - Makazole Mapimpi, Vincent Tshituka, Jurenzo Julius | Conversions - Jordan Hendrikse (2) | Penalty - Hendrikse (1)
- Ulster 19: Tries - Jack Murphy, Jude Postlethwaite, Nathan Doak | Conversions - Murphy (2)
What’s Next for the Sharks?
The Sharks will now turn their focus to maintaining momentum in the URC. Stay updated with Sharks news and fixtures on sportsligue.com as the race to the playoffs heats up.
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