Ulster extend perfect URC start with 34-26 win over Sharks

Ulster maintained their perfect start to the United Rugby Championship with a 34-26 victory over the Sharks at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban on Saturday, handing the home side their third defeat in four matches and leaving the Sharks to contend with a serious injury blow. Ulster scored four tries through Michael Lowry, Werner Kok, Tom Stewart and Callum Reid, while scrumhalf Nathan Doak kicked four conversions and two penalties. The Sharks crossed through Siya Kolisi, Makazole Mapimpi, a penalty try and Andre Esterhuizen.

Ulster surged early, taking a 20-5 lead by halftime after Lowry and Kok struck in the opening quarter and Doak kicked a penalty. The Sharks responded when Kolisi powered over from a maul just before the break, but flyhalf Siya Masuku missed several kicks into the wind and struggled for consistency with his kicking game. The hosts briefly threatened a comeback in the second half when Mapimpi scored and Masuku added the conversion, cutting the margin to eight points.

Discipline then swung the contest. Mapimpi was initially yellow-carded for a high tackle and, following review, the decision was upgraded to a red card, reducing the Sharks to 14 men for a large...