URC teams: Springboks legend hits Sharks century against Munster while Jordie Barrett has new midfield partner for Leinster
The Sharks delivered a commanding performance in the United Rugby Championship (URC), overpowering Munster 41-24 at Kings Park Stadium in Durban. The victory was spearheaded by a formidable lineup of Springbok stars, who collectively contributed 36 points to the scoreboard.
The match commenced with an explosive start, as Aphelele Fassi crossed the try line within the first 43 seconds. Shortly thereafter, Makazole Mapimpi added another try, both successfully converted by fly-half Jordan Hendrikse, establishing an early 14-0 lead. Hendrikse’s flawless kicking performance continued throughout the game, amassing 16 points from five conversions and two penalties .
Scrum-half Grant Williams and center Andre Esterhuizen further extended the Sharks’ dominance with tries that secured a bonus point before halftime. Flanker Vincent Tshituka added a fifth try in the second half, solidifying the Sharks’ commanding position .
Despite Munster’s efforts, including tries from Tom Ahern, Mike Haley, Calvin Nash, and Tadhg Beirne, the Irish side struggled to match the Sharks’ intensity and precision. Munster’s head coach, Graham Rowntree, acknowledged the challenge posed by the Springbok-laden Sharks, stating, “We stuck to our plan but at the end of the day they were just too powerful” .
This emphatic win propels the Sharks up the URC standings and underscores their potential as serious contenders in the competition. With a roster boasting World Cup-winning talent and a cohesive team dynamic, the Sharks have sent a clear message to their rivals.
Looking ahead, the Sharks aim to maintain their momentum as they prepare to face the Stormers on November 30. Meanwhile, Munster will seek to regroup and rebound when they host the Lions .
