Sharks pip Leinster

The Hollywoodbets Sharks recorded only their second victory over Leinster when they beat the Irish visitors by 26-20 in an exciting Vodacom URC game in Durban on Saturday afternoon.

A number of returning Springboks were in action for the hosts and made an immediate impact as the KwaZulu-Natalians not only remained unbeaten but shot to the top of the standings.

A converted try by Ireland midfielder Robbie Henshaw gave Leinster a 7-0 lead before the Hollywoodbets Sharks hit back with tries by Manu Tshituka and Litelihle Bester, both converted by Vusi Moyo, to give the hosts a 14-7 lead at the break, with their pack setting the tone.

Tom Clarkson’s unconverted try made it 14-12 with half an hour to go, and Leinster then took a one-point lead when Sam Prendergast nailed a 66^th minute penalty goal, but the hosts then took control, with Ox Nche and Eben Etzebeth showing their experience off the bench.

Bok centre Andre Esterhuizen, who captained the home side, crossed for a superb try with Moyo’s conversion making it 21-15 before Edwill van der Merwe, another one of the hosts’ returning Boks, all but sealed the deal with an intercept try in the 78^th minute, which also secured them a try-scoring bonus point.

Leinster grabbed a losing bonus point through Andrew Osborne in injury time, but it was too little, too late for the defending champions from Dublin.

Scorers:

• Hollywoodbets Sharks 26 (14) – Tries: Manu Tshituka, Litelihle Bester, Andre Esterhuizen, Edwill van der Merwe. Conversions: Vusi Moyo (3).
• Leinster 20 (7) – Tries: Robbie Henshaw, Thomas Clarkson, Andrew Osborne. Conversion: Caspar Gabriel. Penalty goal: Sam Prendergast.