Sharks brush aside ill-disciplined Bulls at Kings Park

The Sharks recorded their sixth United Rugby Championship victory from nine starts this season after they overpowered the Bulls 47-20 in Durban.

Siya Kolisi's team produced a dominant first-half display, racking up 30 points through tries by scrumhalf Grant Williams and hooker Bongi Mbonambi, while they were also awarded a penalty try and flyhalf Curwin Bosch kicked three penalties and two conversions.

There was no way back in the second half for the Bulls, who did not help their cause by having two players yellow-carded in quick succession just before half-time.

After a couple of penalties apiece from both sides to start the game, the Bulls scored the first try of the game through wing Canan Moodie after he managed to create something from nothing with a chip ahead that bounced kindly.

But the Bok newcomer would also be the first to be sin-binned later in the half for a cynical foul that resulted in a Sharks penalty try.

From that point on, the Sharks took control of the contest.

When Cyle Brink followed Moodie into the bin just before half-time, the home side rode their advantage with two more tries before the whistle thanks to a sniping dart from their No 9 Williams and a Mbonambi score from the back of a rolling maul.

The Sharks were in the mood to entertain a crowd of just under 26,000 and didn't let up in the second half as centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg touched down twice, while Bosch added two more conversions and a penalty to finish with 20 points.

For the Bulls, fullback Johan Goosen also went over for a try, with flyhalf Chris Smith landing two conversions and two penalties - but it was not nearly enough to get back into the contest.

Moodie then collected a second yellow two minutes from time for a high tackle, meaning that he was sent off as the Bulls' afternoon ended in suitably frustrating fashion.

The win sees the Sharks move into the top half of the URC table straight into fifth place on 29 points, as they continue to mount a late charge in the competition.