Ulster continued their perfect start to the United Rugby Championship season with a commanding bonus-point victory over the Sharks in Durban. Richie Murphy’s side delivered a clinical performance, securing their third consecutive win and their first triumph on South African soil this season.
Photo: Ulster Rugby on X
Confident and Composed from the Start
Ulster hit the ground running in Durban, showing early intent and precision. Michael Lowry opened the scoring after a slick exchange with Nathan Doak, setting the tone for an enterprising first half. Werner Kok then crossed for a brilliant solo effort against his former club to extend the lead, while Tom Stewart and Callum Reid added second-half tries to seal the bonus point.
Doak was once again reliable from the tee, contributing 14 points in a composed display that kept the visitors in control throughout.
Sharks’ Discipline Proves Costly
Despite welcoming back several Springbok internationals, including Siya Kolisi, Makazole Mapimpi and Andre Esterhuizen, the Sharks struggled to find rhythm and paid the price for repeated indiscipline.
Both Vincent Koch and Mapimpi were shown yellow cards for dangerous tackles on Lowry — with Mapimpi’s later upgraded to a 20-minute red card following a bunker review. Those costly moments proved decisive, allowing Ulster to stretch their lead and keep the scoreboard ticking.
The home side did manage four tries — from Kolisi, Mapimpi, Esterhuizen and a penalty try — but their inability to stay disciplined ultimately left them chasing the game.
Lessons Learned from Last Season
Ulster’s victory marked a significant turnaround from last April, when they squandered a 19-0 lead to lose 22-19 to the Sharks in Belfast. This time, the Irish province held firm under pressure, showing maturity and defensive organisation in the closing stages.
Jacob Stockdale’s crucial tackle to hold up Eben Etzebeth early on summed up Ulster’s resilience, while their pack fronted up impressively despite a strong Sharks scrum.
Murphy: “A Big Statement Win”
Head coach Richie Murphy described the result as a “big statement win”, praising the team’s focus and composure under pressure. The victory not only cements Ulster’s 100% record in the URC but also sends a message that they can compete — and win — on the road against tough opposition.
Next Stop: Johannesburg
Ulster will round off their South African tour next weekend against the Lions in Johannesburg before heading into the autumn break. With momentum firmly on their side, Murphy’s men will be eager to return home with a clean sweep and a growing belief that this could be a season to remember.
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