URC: Late rally sees revitalised Sharks defeat Bulls at Kings Park

It was only the Sharks' second win in seven URC matches this season, but it proved a significant one, moving them from 14th to 12th on the table.

For the Bulls, coached by Johan Ackermann, the defeat marked a fifth consecutive loss across all competitions, despite long periods of dominance.

The visitors controlled much of the contest up front, enjoying the bulk of the territory and possession. Their scrum was particularly strong in the first half, with Wilco Louw outperforming Sharks prop Phatu Ganyane, while another scrum penalty early in the third quarter allowed Handre Pollard to add further points.

Pollard was the Bulls' sole scorer, slotting four penalties, although he also missed an attempt just before half-time.

The Bulls struck early through two Pollard penalties, but the Sharks responded when centre Harold Vorster's pass was intercepted by fullback Hakeem Kunene, who sprinted 70 metres to score under the posts.

Kunene later had a second try ruled out after a TMO review identified a knock-on.

Despite Bulls flanker Jeandre Rudolph being named Man of the Match and No 8 JJ Theron being held up over the line from a driving maul, the Sharks stayed in touch.

Siya Kolisi crossed from a quick tap penalty with 10 minutes remaining, converted by replacement flyhalf George Whitehead, before winger Edwill van der Merwe sealed the result. Scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse made a strong impact off the bench.