Sharks brush aside Ospreys with statement performance

The Sharks battered five tries past four from Ospreys to open their URC campaign with a 41-24 bonus-point win in Durban on Saturday.

FIRST HALF RECAP: SHARKS ENJOY FAST START, OSPREYS FIGHT BACK 

The Sharks scored three tries inside the opening 30 minutes to seize control. Captain Nick Hatton opened the account after slick handling created space out wide.

Manu Tshituka followed soon after, finishing a flowing move started by Janco Purchase. Fullback Luan Giliomee then weaved through several defenders for a superb solo score.

The Welsh visitors hit back through winger Luke Morgan before Litelihle Bester restored the Sharks’ cushion with an opportunist finish. Hooker Sam Parry barged over from a driving maul on the stroke of halftime, leaving the hosts 28-14 ahead at the break.

SECOND HALF RECAP: SHARKS PULL AWAY

Flanker Liam Wright reduced the gap early in the second half, but Vusi Moyo steadied the Sharks with two penalties. Giliomee added his second try in the 67th minute after more slick handling in the Ospreys’ 22. Iestyn Hopkins grabbed a late consolation score to earn the visitors their bonus point.

The Sharks finished with five tries to four and made no mistake off the tee, Moyo landing all six of his kicks. Attention now turns to round two, when defending champions Leinster travel to Durban next Saturday.

The Sharks’ attacking depth should carry them past most sides this season, but their scrum needs work before they front Leinster this coming weekend.