Sharks secure bonus-point victory over Bulls in URC battle

Sharks secure bonus-point victory over Bulls in URC battle

The Sharks claimed a hard-fought 29–19 victory over the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld, securing a crucial bonus point in the process.

In a tense first half, the Bulls struck early through Jan-Hendrik Wessels in the 3rd minute, but Ethan Hooker responded five minutes later to level the contest. The Sharks edged ahead 10-7 by half-time in a cagey opening 40 minutes.

The Bulls regained the lead early in the second half when Johan Grobbelaar powered over from a rolling maul, putting them 12-10 ahead. However, the Sharks took control with three unanswered tries. 

Jordan Hendrikse crossed in the 56th minute, followed by Tinotenda Mavesere's first try for the side, extending the lead to 22-12. Yaw Penxe then sealed the victory by pouncing on a high ball to score, making it 27-12.

Grobbelaar added a late consolation try for the Bulls, converted by Boeta Chamberlain, but it was not enough to deny the Sharks a well-earned win. 

Siya Masuku converted two of the Sharks' tries, while Hendrikse missed one attempt.

Discipline was an issue for both sides, with Willie le Roux seeing yellow for the Bulls, while Jason Jenkins, Corne Rahl, and Ntuthuko Mchunu were all sin-binned for the Sharks.

This win continues the Sharks' strong form after their 42-22 victory over Cardiff in January, while the Bulls, fresh from a thrilling 33-32 win over the Stormers last weekend, struggled to maintain momentum.  

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