Ulster pulled off a surprise 34–26 victory over a Springbok-stacked Sharks side in Durban on Saturday, claiming their first away win of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship season.
The Irish province, priced at 5.40 underdogs on Betway, capitalised on the hosts’ ill-discipline and poor execution to extend the Sharks’ winless start to the campaign.
The Sharks entered as 1.20 favourites, buoyed by the return of 13 World Cup winners, but struggled for rhythm despite a dominant scrum. Mike Lowry and former Shark Werner Kok both crossed early for Ulster, while Nathan Doak’s accurate kicking steered the visitors to a 20–5 halftime lead. The Durban side’s only response came from Siya Kolisi, who powered over from a maul.
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After the break, Makazole Mapimpi finished a fine backline move to cut the deficit, but the winger’s fortunes turned when he and Vincent Koch were both sin-binned for tip tackles on Lowry. Ulster immediately took advantage, with Tom Stewart scoring their third try before Mapimpi’s yellow card was upgraded to a 20-minute red.
The Sharks briefly rallied through a penalty try and a strong finish from André Esterhuizen, yet Callum Reid’s late score sealed it for the visitors. Doak’s game management and 14-point haul proved the difference, as Ulster delivered a clinical performance in humid conditions.
For the Sharks, the 34–26 loss was their third defeat in four and deepened the pressure on coach John Plumtree. They remain winless ahead of a crucial home clash with the Scarlets, where anything less than victory will heighten the scrutiny.
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