The Sharks managed to secure a narrow 20-17 victory over the Bulls in a thrilling United Rugby Championship (URC) clash at Kings Park in Durban. The match was a tense affair, with missed kicks proving to be the deciding factor as both Sharks flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse and Bulls flyhalf Johan Goosen missed crucial penalties in the closing stages of the game.
The Sharks got off to a quick start, with Jordan Hendrikse slotting an early penalty before his brother Jaden scored the opening try in the 18th minute. The Bulls responded with a try of their own through flank Cobus Wiese, but the Sharks regained the lead with a try from center Harold Vorster. The Bulls had several opportunities to extend their lead before halftime but opted for scrums instead of taking the points, leaving them with a narrow 14-10 lead at the break.
Goosen extended the Bulls’ lead early in the second half with a penalty, but the Sharks leveled the scores with a controversial penalty try in the 53rd minute. The game remained tight, with both teams missing crucial kicks. Jordan Hendrikse eventually put the Sharks ahead with a penalty in the 70th minute, but Goosen failed to level the scores with two missed kicks of his own.
In the final minutes of the game, the Bulls opted to kick for touch and drive for a try, but a knock-on allowed the Sharks to regain possession and see out the match. The Sharks emerged victorious with tries from Jaden Hendrikse and a penalty try, along with conversions and penalties from Jordan Hendrikse. The Bulls scored tries through Wiese and Vorster, with conversions and penalties from Goosen.
Overall, it was a thrilling and closely contested match between the Sharks and the Bulls, with missed kicks ultimately deciding the outcome. The Sharks will be pleased to come away with the win, while the Bulls will be left ruing their missed opportunities.
