Round 11 of the BKT United Rugby Championship delivered yet more drama, with the Sharks completing a historic double over the Stormers, Glasgow Warriors extending their lead at the summit, and Wallaby prop Angus Bell producing a sensational solo try as Ulster edged past Cardiff in Belfast.

The weekend’s results saw significant movement in the standings as teams head into the Six Nations break. The Bulls’ demolition of the Lions at Ellis Park continued their remarkable turnaround, Keelan Giles’ 50th Ospreys try sparked wild celebrations in an emotion-charged Welsh derby, while Scott Penny’s hat-trick inspired Leinster to climb to second place. Meanwhile, thick fog in Treviso produced another bizarre 20-20 draw between Benetton and the Scarlets – the exact same scoreline as last season’s encounter at the same venue.

Glasgow stretch their lead

A much-changed Glasgow Warriors side extended their lead at the top of the table thanks to a 31-22 bonus-point victory over Munster Rugby at a sold-out Scotstoun.

All four of their tries came in the first half as they built a 28-5 buffer which served as the platform for a ninth successive victory in all competitions. Ollie Smith’s extraordinary finish in the corner, Dan Lancaster’s interception from halfway, Olujare Oguntibeju’s close-range effort and Josh McKay’s bonus-point score while Munster were down to 14 men following Thaakir Abrahams’ yellow card established a commanding lead that the visitors could not overcome.

Munster rallied impressively in the second half with tries from Dan Kelly – a stunning 70-metre solo run – Brian Gleeson and Diarmuid Kilgallen, but Lancaster’s 74th-minute penalty sealed the victory for the hosts.

With the bulk of their Scotland squad members away preparing for the Six Nations, Glasgow showed ten changes, but they still continued their winning ways, much to the delight of skipper Stafford McDowall.

“It’s something we pride ourselves on here massively – that whoever steps into the jersey does the same job,” he said. “These are some of the most fun times to be a Glasgow Warrior when the international boys are away and the boys who work hard every week and maybe don’t get a chance get their time to play. It’s nice to see them step up and play really well.”

Centre McDowall was one of five members of Glasgow’s 18-strong contingent in the Six Nations squad who were released to figure in the BKT URC clash. The 16-cap centre responded with a Player of the Match display.

Adding his thoughts on the contest, Glasgow coach Franco Smith said: “We always knew it was going to be a tough one with Munster also playing well this season. So to get the win is good. There’s obviously a lot to work on, but we are excited to get five points against Munster who are a very tough team to play, so I am happy with that.”

Penny hat-trick inspires Leinster comeback

Leinster Rugby moved up to second in the table having made it 11 wins in a row in all competitions by claiming a 28-20 bonus-point victory over Edinburgh Rugby at the Aviva Stadium.

The reigning champions trailed 15-7 at the break after tries from Duhan van der Merwe – released by Scotland for the trip to Dublin – and Malelili Satala had given the visitors a deserved cushion. Edinburgh had also seen a stunning length-of-the-field effort cruelly disallowed by the TMO for an infringement in the build-up.

However, Leinster stormed back to take control through their close-quarter carrying as flanker Scott Penny scored a second-half hat-trick of tries, all from close range. The hosts’ physicality gradually told as Edinburgh’s discipline cracked under mounting pressure.

Charlie Shiel’s late consolation try for Edinburgh was rendered meaningless when Cammy Scott’s conversion attempt slipped off the tee as he approached, stayed low and was charged down – denying the visitors even a losing bonus point.

Player of the Match Penny said: “It was a very tough game. In the first half, we weren’t really up to the standard that we hold ourselves to and Edinburgh were really testing us. But there was a really good response in the second half. It was a great team effort.”

On his hat-trick, he said: “I was just lucky to be in the right place at the right time. We had to work for all our tries. Edinburgh really defended their line very well and it took us loads of phases to get over.”

Sharks complete historic double over Stormers

Long-time league leaders the DHL Stormers have slipped down to third after losing to the Hollywoodbets Sharks for the second weekend in a row.

They were beaten 36-24 in front of a 25,364 crowd at Durban’s Kings Park with winger Jaco Williams scoring two of the Sharks’ five tries as they turned around a 17-14 half-time deficit. It was the first time the Sharks had completed a double over the Stormers in a single season since 2012 Super Rugby.

The Sharks dominated the aerial battle, with wings Williams and Edwill van der Merwe superb under the high ball. Captain André Esterhuizen led from the front throughout, his try helping to turn the tide after Ruben van Heerden’s yellow card had reduced the Stormers to 14 men.

The result was sealed by one of the most bizarre moments of the URC season. With 10 minutes remaining and the Sharks leading 31-24, replacement full-back Warrick Gelant dropped back behind his own line to field a probing kick. Taking his time to dot down, Gelant was oblivious to the danger as Williams raced in to touch the ball down under his nose.

Stormers coach John Dobson admitted: “Credit to the Sharks, they beat us properly over the past two weeks. Our discipline was poor and our set-piece definitely let us down. The most frustrating thing about tonight is that everything that went wrong last week went wrong this week. There has to be a behaviour change.”

Captain Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu added: “The lack of discipline cost us. When we played our game, we were on top of them. We were being reckless, careless and irresponsible.”

Ulster edge past Cardiff in Belfast

Ulster Rugby and Cardiff Rugby fought out a tight encounter in Belfast, with the hosts coming out on top 21-14 to leapfrog their opponents in the standings.

The highlight was a sensational solo try from Wallaby prop Angus Bell. The Australian picked up the ball on the edge of the 22, beat two Cardiff defenders and sidestepped full-back Cam Winnett with the footwork of a seasoned winger to touch down for his first Ulster try – a score so good it left team-mate Marcus Rea standing with his hands on his head in disbelief.

Scott Wilson had earlier crashed over to open the scoring after some sharp carries and quick recycling, before Bell’s moment of magic extended the lead to 14-0 at half-time. Cardiff, who have a habit of comeback wins over Ulster, rallied through Johan Mulder’s close-range effort and Steffan Emanuel’s fine finish after Taine Basham’s powerful break.

Charlie Irvine’s try restored Ulster’s two-score advantage, but Emanuel’s immediate response set up a nervous finale. James Hume’s crucial turnover inside his own 22 with five minutes remaining proved decisive, and Cardiff had to settle for a losing bonus point.

Ulster coach Richie Murphy said: “We are delighted with the win. We were made to work really hard, especially in the second half. Home in the Affidea Stadium is becoming really good for us. We are winning a lot of games here.”

His Cardiff counterpart Corniel van Zyl commented: “In the first half, we struggled a little bit, but the way the boys fought back to stay in the fight was really pleasing to see. The fight was amazing. The boys just wanted to fight for the jersey.”

Bulls demolish Lions in emphatic Jukskei derby

The Vodacom Bulls posted a resounding 52-17 away win over the Lions in Johannesburg, racking up eight tries in an emphatic revenge for their 43-33 defeat at Loftus in November.

It was the Bulls’ third consecutive win after ending a seven-match losing streak, a remarkable turnaround that has lifted them to seventh in the standings. Harold Vorster scored twice against his former club, while Johan Grobbelaar, Handré Pollard, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Embrose Papier, Mpilo Gumede and Keagan Johannes also crossed. Pollard orchestrated proceedings from fly-half, landing six conversions.

The Lions were overwhelmed from the outset, trailing 26-3 at half-time and unable to string phases together. Morne van den Berg and Bronson Mills scored consolation tries, but the hosts made 174 tackles at 90% success rate yet still could not stop the Bulls’ dominance.

Player of the Match Embrose Papier controlled proceedings from scrum-half, his kicking game winning crucial aerial contests throughout. Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee expressed pride in his team’s performance, while coach Johan Ackermann praised the balance between attack and defence.

Lions captain Francke Horn called for accountability after the match: “Every player needs to take accountability for their job. Nothing in a week’s prep led us to perform like that today. But definitely the pressure and the slow start got to us, and it’s just not a good enough performance.”

Coach Ivan van Rooyen echoed that sentiment: “In that first half, I don’t think we managed to get the ball through two phases, maybe not even three, so just sloppy. You make an error, they get the ball, then you concede momentum.”

Ospreys players pay tribute to their fans

Match-winning hero Keelan Giles paid tribute to the Ospreys fans after his last-minute try secured a dramatic 19-13 Welsh derby victory over Dragons RFC.

Winger Giles cut through to the line with just 55 seconds left on the clock to spark scenes of wild celebration both on and off the field at Bridgend’s Electric Brewery Field. It was his 50th try for the region and what a moment to score it.

The victory came on a night when supporters staged a pre-match protest against the Welsh Rugby Union and owners Y11 Sport & Media, whose bid to buy rivals Cardiff threatens Ospreys’ future beyond 2027. Former players Shane Williams and Ian Gough addressed the crowd before kick-off.

Speaking after the game, Giles said: “I would just like to say a massive thanks to the crowd for coming out in numbers. They were the voice and it was a great night. It’s class. We spoke about it all week that this would be a massive game and I am so glad we got the win in the end. It was a physical game and the boys dug deep.”

Giles’ decisive score came when the Dragons were reduced to 13 men after prop Cebo Dlamini had been sin-binned for head contact in a tackle and hooker Oli Burrows failed his HIA.

Adding his thoughts, skipper Sam Parry said: “The fans mean so much to us. We are proud to represent them and proud to represent this team. It’s something we spoke about before the game, just what it means to wear the jersey.”

Delighted Ospreys coach Mark Jones said: “I think I probably let myself down up in the stand when the try was scored! I was just feeling for the boys because it felt like we might not get what we felt we deserved. The boys have put so much effort in.”

Reflecting on his team standing eighth in the table, Jones said: “We have set ourselves up pretty well. We are just over halfway and if you’d said we were going to be sitting where we are in pre-season we’d have probably taken that when you look at the strength of the league.”

For the Dragons, it was a case of so near, yet so far. They led for most of the game and came within a minute of claiming their first away win in the league since April 2022, only to have to settle for a losing bonus point in the end.

Head coach Filo Tiatia said: “We are disappointed. I thought we played really well. I can’t fault the effort. I’m proud of the group and we deserved more than what we got. But we also weren’t clinical enough. We had seven or eight entries inside their 22 and we didn’t convert.”

Connacht survive Zebre scare

Connacht Rugby secured a hard-fought 31-15 bonus-point victory over Zebre Parma in Italy, but Stuart Lancaster’s side were made to work until deep into stoppage time for the maximum haul.

Oisín McCormack crowned his first appearance of the season by snatching the bonus-point try in the 11th minute of stoppage time, finishing a driving maul after Zebre centre Marco Zanon was yellow-carded for a deliberate knock-on – the third player to be sin-binned for that offence during the match.

The visitors had trailed 3-0 at half-time after a controversial TMO decision denied wing Chay Mullins a try. A technical issue on the big screen meant referee Ben Whitehouse could not verify the call himself, and he deferred to TMO Keith David – but delayed replays suggested the score should have stood.

Joe Joyce pounced just 41 seconds into the second half when Cathal Forde charged down a clearance, while number eight Sean Jansen crossed twice to underline his importance to this Connacht side. Sam Gilbert maintained a flawless record from the tee with four conversions and a crucial 79th-minute penalty that ensured the four points were safe.

Zebre, depleted by eight players on Six Nations duty with Italy, showed admirable spirit throughout. Scrum-half Gonzalo Garcia scored and was later yellow-carded, while replacement Bautista Stavile’s powerful run reduced the deficit to 21-15 with six minutes remaining to set up a tense finale.

Fog-bound draw in Treviso

On Friday night, it had been a case of déjà vu all over again as the Benetton-Scarlets clash produced exactly the same scoreline as last season’s game out in Treviso – a 20-20 draw.

The hosts led 13-3 at half-time through a Paolo Odogwu try and Rhyno Smith’s eight points from the boot, but the Scarlets responded as thick fog descended after the break, ultimately edging the try count 3-2.

Gareth Davies – moving to joint third on the all-time URC try-scoring charts – Tomi Lewis and Macs Page crossed for the visitors, with 18-year-old Carwyn Leggatt-Jones providing assists for the latter two tries on his first URC start.

Both teams had opportunities to win the game late on, only for kicks at goal to go wide. Nicolas Roger Farias missed two long-range penalties for Benetton, while Leggatt-Jones’ missed conversion – which would have won the match – summed up a frustrating night.

The Player of the Match award went to the Scarlets’ Kiwi number eight Fletcher Anderson, who made more carries (19) and tackles (16) than anyone else on the pitch. He admitted he had never played in such conditions before.

“We rocked up and it was a little bit foggy, but coming out for the second half we couldn’t really see the crowd,” he said. “It was pretty interesting. It was tough under the high ball. The referee mentioned that if it got any worse we would have to call it, but you don’t really think about it, you just try and focus on the game.”

Reflecting on the Scarlets’ improved performances of late, he said: “The Champions Cup was a good period for us, playing against some quality sides. Having a challenge like that really forces you to lift your game and I think we’ve done that. We are not far off. We are trending upwards for sure.”

What’s coming next?

All but two of the 16 BKT URC teams now have three weeks off while the Guinness Six Nations takes centre stage.

There is one rescheduled Round 8 game on 21 February when the Lions host the Sharks, ahead of a full programme of Round 12 matches on the weekend of 27-28 February.

Round 11 results

Benetton 20-20 Scarlets
Glasgow Warriors 31-22 Munster
Lions 17-52 Bulls
Sharks 36-24 Stormers
Zebre Parma 15-31 Connacht
Leinster 28-20 Edinburgh
Ospreys 19-13 Dragons
Ulster 21-14 Cardiff

Round 8 fixture (rescheduled)

Saturday, 21 February
Lions v Sharks (14:00 GMT / 16:00 SAST)

Looking ahead: Round 12 fixtures

Friday, 27 February
Cardiff v Leinster (21:00 GMT)
Edinburgh v Scarlets (21:45 GMT)

Saturday, 28 February
Lions v Stormers (14:30 GMT / 16:30 SAST)
Bulls v Sharks (17:00 GMT / 19:00 SAST)
Connacht v Glasgow Warriors (17:00 GMT)
Dragons v Benetton (19:30 GMT)
Munster v Zebre (19:30 GMT)
Ospreys v Ulster (21:45 GMT)

Angus Bell stole the show with a sensational solo try as Ulster ground out a hard-fought 21-14 victory over Cardiff on a bitterly cold night at the Affidea Stadium, moving above their opponents into fourth place in the United Rugby Championship standings.

The Australian prop, on a short-term deal from the Waratahs until the end of the season, produced a moment of individual brilliance that left even his own team-mates open-mouthed. Picking up the ball on the edge of the 22, Bell beat two Cardiff defenders before sidestepping full-back Cam Winnett with the footwork of a seasoned winger to touch down for his first Ulster try.

Yet this was far from a comfortable evening for Richie Murphy’s men. Having thrown away leads of 19 and 14 points in their two previous meetings with Cardiff – most recently in December’s Challenge Cup thriller at the Arms Park – Ulster were made to work until the final whistle to preserve their unbeaten home record this season.

Cardiff, missing 18 players due to international selection and injury, refused to capitulate. Johan Mulder’s try early in the second half gave the visitors hope, and when Steffan Emanuel crossed with 12 minutes remaining, the Welsh side were within a converted score. Only a crucial turnover from James Hume inside his own 22 in the closing stages prevented what would have been another remarkable Cardiff comeback.

Key moments

5′ – EARLY PRESSURE ULSTER: Jack Murphy produces a peach of a grubber kick deep into Cardiff territory, forcing a lineout just five metres from the visitors’ line. Charlie Irvine almost steals the throw as Ulster establish early dominance

11′ – TRY ULSTER: The hosts’ sustained pressure finally tells. Werner Kok combines with Matthew Dalton and Dave McCann in a sweeping move down the right. The ball is recycled quickly and tighthead prop Scott Wilson crashes over under the posts from close range. Jack Murphy converts with ease (Ulster 7-0 Cardiff)

18′ – TRY ULSTER: The moment of the match. Loosehead prop Angus Bell picks up at the back of a breakdown on the edge of the Cardiff 22 and sets off on a mesmeric run. He bursts through a gap, beats two defenders with quick feet, then produces a devastating sidestep to sit full-back Cam Winnett on his backside before gliding over under the posts for his first Ulster try. The score is so extraordinary that team-mate Marcus Rea is left standing with his hands on his head in disbelief. Jack Murphy converts (Ulster 14-0 Cardiff)

24′ – CARDIFF HELD UP: Cardiff finally threaten with their first meaningful attack. After winning a penalty inside the Ulster 22, they opt for a tap and go. Prop Rhys Barratt looks destined to score but Scott Wilson, having earlier crossed at the other end, produces a heroic intervention to get under the ball and hold it up over the line. A crucial moment that keeps Cardiff scoreless

34′ – FLASHPOINT: A coming together between James Hume and Dan Thomas forces referee Hollie Davidson to stop play and deliver a warning to both captains that such behaviour will not be tolerated

Half-time: Ulster 14-0 Cardiff

48′ – CARDIFF THREATEN: George Nott breaks through the Ulster defence far too easily before being stopped on the fringes of the 22. Callum Sheedy’s kick is claimed by Zac Ward under pressure from two Cardiff defenders, who takes the mark. Ulster survive, but Cardiff have started the second half with renewed purpose

53′ – TRY CARDIFF: The visitors’ second-half pressure finally pays dividends. After a series of powerful carries from the pack, prop Javan Sebastian goes close before Johan Mulder shows lightning reactions, scooping the ball at full pace to snipe over from close range. Callum Sheedy converts to cut the deficit in half (Ulster 14-7 Cardiff)

62′ – LEIGH HALFPENNY INTRODUCED: The Wales legend, now serving as Cardiff’s backs coach, comes off the bench at full-back – 17 years after his first appearance in Belfast. Can his experience help guide Cardiff back into the contest?

64′ – DALTON DENIED: Ulster work the ball to the right and flanker Matthew Dalton wastes no time in eating up the turf. With the line gaping, Dave Shanahan cannot control Dalton’s offload and Cardiff survive what should have been Ulster’s third try

66′ – TRY ULSTER: The hosts finally find their release after their first sustained period of territory in the second half. A dominant shove at the scrum produces quick ball and after two phases with quick recycles, second row Charlie Irvine – a fourth-year medical student at Queen’s University Belfast – forces his way over under the posts for his first try in Ulster colours. Jack Murphy converts to restore the 14-point cushion (Ulster 21-7 Cardiff)

67′ – TRY CARDIFF: Cardiff respond instantly with a superb team try. The tireless Alun Lawrence takes the ball to the line before possession is moved to Taine Basham. The explosive back-row bursts through the Ulster midfield, tears into the home half and releases Steffan Emanuel, who shows brilliant pace to evade Werner Kok’s tackle and finish in the corner. Sheedy converts superbly to bring Cardiff within seven points (Ulster 21-14 Cardiff)

76′ – HUME’S CRUCIAL INTERVENTION: With Cardiff launching repeated attacks through rolling mauls and pick-and-go phases, James Hume produces a huge turnover inside his own 22. The centre jackals brilliantly to win a penalty and relieve the immense pressure on the Ulster line. It proves the decisive moment

80′ – NO TRY ULSTER: Deep into red time, Ulster opt for ambition over caution, repeatedly tapping penalties inches from the Cardiff line in search of a bonus-point try. Dave Shanahan appears to touch down but referee Hollie Davidson refers to the TMO, who rules a double movement. Cardiff are awarded a relieving penalty and the match ends

Full-time: Ulster 21-14 Cardiff

Match report

Ulster will reflect on a job done, if not quite completed to perfection, as they head into the Six Nations break with their unbeaten home record intact and their play-off ambitions firmly on track. Yet there will be frustration too – frustration at another failure to secure a bonus point, and frustration at allowing Cardiff back into a contest that had seemed settled at half-time.

The opening 40 minutes had been all Ulster. Fielding a side depleted by international call-ups, Richie Murphy’s men nonetheless started with purpose and intensity, immediately looking to play with tempo and width. Jack Murphy managed territory intelligently, while Hume and Kok tested Cardiff’s defensive organisation with probing runs.

The first try, when it came in the 12th minute, was a reward for that sustained pressure. After some sharp carries and quick recycling near the Cardiff line, Ulster shifted the ball swiftly through short phases. Dalton’s offload set McCann away down the right before the ball was worked back for Wilson to crash over under the posts.

But it was Bell’s try seven minutes later that will live longest in the memory. The Australian had arrived at Ulster in the summer as cover and had shown glimpses of his talent, but nothing quite like this. His burst from the breakdown was powerful enough, but it was the footwork that followed which elevated the score to something special. The sidestep that left Winnett grasping at thin air was worthy of any international winger, never mind a loosehead prop.

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Cardiff, to their immense credit, refused to fold. They almost got on the scoreboard before half-time when Barratt was held up over the line following a tap-and-go, Wilson’s defensive intervention proving every bit as valuable as his earlier try.

The Welsh side emerged after the interval with renewed belief. Their pack, led by the tireless Lawrence and the dynamic Basham, began to win collisions and territory. When Mulder sniped over from close range after Sebastian had softened up the Ulster defence, suddenly the visitors sensed an opportunity.

The game became scrappier as temperatures fell and the rain threatened. Neither side could establish sustained momentum, though Ulster almost extended their lead when Dalton burst clear only for Shanahan to fumble the crucial offload with the line at his mercy.

When Irvine powered over from close range following a dominant scrum, it appeared Ulster had finally killed the contest. But Cardiff responded within 60 seconds through Emanuel’s fine individual effort, and suddenly the final quarter became a test of nerve.

Wave after wave of Cardiff pressure followed. The introduction of Halfpenny from the bench added experience and nous to the visitors’ attack. Yet Ulster’s defence, which had been questioned at times this season, stood firm when it mattered most. Hume’s turnover with five minutes remaining was the decisive intervention – a moment of individual brilliance to match Bell’s earlier effort at the other end.

The closing stages saw Ulster camped on the Cardiff line in search of a bonus point, but the visitors’ defence held firm. Shanahan’s apparent try was ruled out for a double movement, and Cardiff escaped with a losing bonus point that could yet prove valuable in the race for the play-offs.

What they said

Iain Henderson (Ulster captain): “We knew things were bubbling in the last 18 months. Last week’s game and this game shows we are by no means the finished article, we have loads to work on. Fair play to the coaching staff and what they have brought our squad from last season to pre-season and to the start of this season.”

James Hume (Ulster centre): “I was very nervous before the game with the pressure of last week, not getting it over the line and we needed a response tonight. I am proud of the group. We are our own worst enemy sometimes late in the game. I love playing with this group. It is unbelievable to go into work with your best friends.”

Matthew Dalton (Player of the Match): “That was awesome, what a night at the Affidea Stadium. It can’t get better than that. First start at six. I was worried coming into the game as I am normally a second row, but that was awesome. We are sitting in a great position going into the next block.”

Angus Bell (Ulster prop): “It was good fun and good to get the win at home. It has been awesome. Cardiff are a great team, great players, great set pieces and great coaches so we knew we had to put points on them.”

Josh McNally (Cardiff captain): “I think in the first half we defended for a long time. There was a lot of fighting and a lot of scrap. We didn’t execute in a few areas, but we came out in the second half and really felt like we put them under pressure. Maybe we left a couple out there and we were fighting right until the last few minutes to get something out of the game.”

Corniel van Zyl (Cardiff defence coach): “In the circle there, you feel the disappointment of the boys but ultimately in the first-half we had a lot of pressure. We didn’t get all the things right we planned to do and they just had the ball for too long in good field positions. So it was tough to turn it around but credit to the boys, they stuck in there. The fight was amazing.”

Player of the match

Angus Bell’s sensational solo try will dominate the highlights, and rightly so – it was a score that would have graced any occasion. But the Australian’s contribution went beyond that moment of magic. His scrummaging helped Ulster establish early dominance, and his work-rate around the park was impressive throughout.

Special mention too for Matthew Dalton, who was named BKT Player of the Match after an energetic display at blindside flanker. Playing out of position – he is normally a second row – Dalton brought athleticism and ball-carrying threat that kept Cardiff on the back foot. His break in the second half should have produced a try had Shanahan held on to the offload.

Teams

Ulster: Ethan McIlroy; Werner Kok, James Hume, Ben Carson, Zac Ward; Jack Murphy, Conor McKee; Angus Bell, Rob Herring, Scott Wilson; Iain Henderson (captain), Charlie Irvine; Matthew Dalton, Marcus Rea, David McCann
Replacements: James McCormick, Sam Crean, Bryan O’Connor, Harry Sheridan, Lorcan McLoughlin, David Shanahan, Jake Flannery, Ben Moxham

Cardiff: Cameron Winnett; Ioan Lloyd, Harri Millard, Steffan Emanuel, Tom Bowen; Callum Sheedy, Johan Mulder; Rhys Barratt, Evan Lloyd, Javan Sebastian; Josh McNally (captain), George Nott; Alun Lawrence, Dan Thomas, Taine Basham
Replacements: Dafydd Hughes, Danny Southworth, Joe Cowell, Rory Thornton, Lucas de la Rua, Aled Davies, Elijah Evans, Leigh Halfpenny

Referee: Hollie Davidson (SRU)

The Sharks completed a remarkable derby double over the Stormers with a commanding 36-24 victory at Kings Park, their first back-to-back wins against the Cape side in a single season since 2012 Super Rugby.

Just seven days after stunning the Stormers 30-19 in Cape Town to end an eight-match unbeaten run, JP Pietersen’s resurgent side delivered an even more emphatic statement in the return fixture. Five tries to two told the story of a contest in which the Sharks were superior in almost every facet, dominating the aerial battle, winning the collision count and punishing the Stormers’ chronic ill-discipline.

The result was sealed by one of the most bizarre moments of the URC season. With 10 minutes remaining and the Sharks leading 31-24, replacement full-back Warrick Gelant dropped back behind his own line to field a probing kick. Taking his time to dot down, Gelant was oblivious to the danger as Jaco Williams raced in to touch the ball down under his nose – a howler that will haunt the Springbok for some time.

For the Stormers, it was a second consecutive defeat that exposed the same failings that had undermined them in Cape Town. Seventeen penalties conceded, two yellow cards, a malfunctioning lineout and an inability to win the aerial contest – the issues John Dobson had identified seven days earlier remained stubbornly unresolved.

Captain Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was left to reflect on what might have been after his side had led 24-14 early in the second half. “The lack of discipline cost us,” he admitted. “When we played our game, we were on top of them. We were being reckless, careless and irresponsible.”

Key moments

1′ – TRY STORMERS: A sensational start for the visitors. The Stormers win a turnover penalty near the Sharks line from the kick-off, pressuring captain André Esterhuizen. Scrum-half Cobus Reinach takes a quick tap and crashes over within 35 seconds of the opening whistle. Feinberg-Mngomezulu hooks the conversion wide, but the Stormers have caught the hosts completely cold (Sharks 0-5 Stormers)

4′ – SHARKS RESPOND: Jordan Hendrikse catches an up-and-under from Feinberg-Mngomezulu and the Sharks immediately look more composed. A strong run by Ethan Hooker gets them over the advantage line and into the Stormers’ 22. The aerial battle that will define this contest is already taking shape

8′ – YELLOW CARD STORMERS: Paul de Villiers is shown a yellow card for collapsing a maul after repeated Stormers infringements. The visitors have conceded penalty after penalty as the Sharks camp in their 22, and referee Christopher Allison’s patience finally snaps

12′ – TRY SHARKS: The hosts capitalise immediately on their numerical advantage. After sustained pressure and two lineouts, scrum-half Grant Williams spots his opportunity and snipes over from the base of a ruck. Jordan Hendrikse converts to put the Sharks in front for the first time (Sharks 7-5 Stormers)

15′ – PENALTY STORMERS: Feinberg-Mngomezulu slots a penalty in front of goal after the Stormers apply some rare pressure, edging the visitors back ahead despite being a man down (Sharks 7-8 Stormers)

17′ – SHARKS ERROR: Jordan Hendrikse overcooks his restart kick and it goes out on the full, giving the Stormers the feed to a scrum on halfway. A let-off for the visitors

19′ – PENALTY STORMERS: Siya Kolisi is penalised for playing the scrum-half illegally and Feinberg-Mngomezulu extends the Stormers’ lead with another successful kick before a quick water break (Sharks 7-11 Stormers)

24′ – TRY SHARKS: The Sharks’ forwards do all the hard work, powering through the Stormers’ defence with an impressive maul drive before the ball is worked around the corner. Centre Ethan Hooker dives over a ruck to score from close range, showing excellent anticipation to be in the right place. Hendrikse converts to put the hosts back in front (Sharks 14-11 Stormers)

31′ – DISALLOWED TRY STORMERS: Lock Adré Smith appears to score from close range after the Stormers camp on the Sharks’ line, but referee Allison calls an obstruction by prop Neethling Fouché in the build-up. The Sharks are awarded a penalty on their own try-line. A crucial let-off for the hosts

34′ – SMITH REPLACED: Stormers coach John Dobson makes an early change, replacing Smith with JD Schickerling in an attempt to stabilise the stuttering lineout

38′ – PENALTY STORMERS: Feinberg-Mngomezulu lines up a monster 53-metre penalty after the Stormers win one at the scrum. The captain shows ice-cold composure to slot it and level the scores at 14-14

40′ – PENALTY STORMERS: Ben-Jason Dixon puts in a textbook tackle on Aphelele Fassi and wins a penalty on the ground. Feinberg-Mngomezulu steps up again and slots another long-range effort to send the Stormers into half-time with an unlikely 17-14 lead

Half-time: Sharks 14-17 Stormers

43′ – TRY STORMERS: The visitors make the perfect start to the second half. Feinberg-Mngomezulu puts up a well-weighted up-and-under and Paul de Villiers, back from his yellow card, gathers in space. The flanker runs a superb angle, shows outstanding footwork to beat several defenders, and crashes over for a brilliant individual try. Feinberg-Mngomezulu converts and suddenly the Stormers lead by 10 points (Sharks 14-24 Stormers)

47′ – YELLOW CARD STORMERS: The crucial turning point. Lock Ruben van Heerden is shown a yellow card for repeated team infringements at a defensive lineout. The Stormers have given away 11 penalties in just 47 minutes – their ill-discipline has reached critical levels

48′ – TRY SHARKS: The hosts punish the numerical advantage immediately. Grant Williams makes a devastating break through the middle before the ball is worked to captain André Esterhuizen, who strolls over untouched from close range. Hendrikse converts to cut the deficit to three points (Sharks 21-24 Stormers)

52′ – TRY SHARKS: The momentum has swung decisively. After continued pressure with the Stormers still down to 14 men, Jaco Williams receives the ball from his namesake Grant Williams running a channel close to the forwards. The winger shows electric pace to race over out wide for his second try in as many weeks. Hendrikse converts magnificently from the touchline and the Sharks lead for the first time since the 24th minute (Sharks 28-24 Stormers)

57′ – LINEOUT STOLEN: The Sharks win a penalty on the Stormers’ 22 and Hendrikse finds touch five metres out. However, the Stormers produce a crucial steal at the lineout and clear their lines. A brief reprieve for the visitors

68′ – PENALTY SHARKS: The Stormers’ front row buckles at the scrum and concedes a penalty. Hendrikse lines up from 40 metres and slots it to extend the Sharks’ lead to seven points with 12 minutes remaining (Sharks 31-24 Stormers)

71′ – TRY SHARKS: The moment that will haunt Warrick Gelant. Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s clearance kick is poor and the ball bounces into the Stormers’ in-goal area. Gelant drops back to dot it down but is far too casual, taking his time with the ball at his feet. He does not see Jaco Williams racing in at full pace. The winger touches down under Gelant’s nose for one of the most bizarre tries of the season – reminiscent of the infamous Robbie Fleck/Deon Kayser incident from 2000. Hendrikse’s conversion drifts wide but the damage is done (Sharks 36-24 Stormers)

73′ – SHARKS CHANGES: Jurenzo Julius replaces Williams, who departs to a standing ovation after his match-winning double

76′ – STORMERS PUSH: The visitors win back-to-back scrum penalties and kick to touch on both occasions, desperately searching for a losing bonus point. They edge closer but Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s kick goes behind the try-line and a scrum is awarded to the Sharks

79′ – HELD UP: Marcel Theunissen is held up over the try-line as the Stormers throw everything at the Sharks’ defence. The hosts survive and are awarded a goal-line drop-out

80′ – FULL-TIME: The Stormers have one final chance from the restart but knock on in contact. The final whistle blows and the Sharks have completed a famous double

Full-time: Sharks 36-24 Stormers

Match report

When the Stormers scored within 35 seconds of the opening whistle, the Kings Park crowd must have feared the worst. From the kick-off, the visitors swarmed all over captain Esterhuizen, forcing a turnover penalty near the Sharks line. Reinach sized up the situation in an instant – the Sharks defence was scrambled, bodies out of position – and took a quick tap before crashing over untouched. Feinberg-Mngomezulu hooked the conversion wide, but the message was clear: the Stormers had arrived in Durban determined to make amends for the previous week’s defeat.

It proved to be a false dawn. What followed was 79 minutes of Sharks dominance, punctuated only by Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s prodigious boot keeping the Stormers in a contest they had no business being in.

The warning signs were there from the start. Even as Reinach was celebrating, the Stormers’ discipline was already fraying. Jordan Hendrikse caught an up-and-under from Feinberg-Mngomezulu and the Sharks immediately looked more composed, a strong run by Hooker getting them over the advantage line and into the Stormers’ 22. Penalty after penalty allowed the hosts to camp in the visitors’ territory, and when De Villiers was shown a yellow card for collapsing a maul after just eight minutes – the culmination of repeated infringements that had tested referee Allison’s patience to breaking point – it felt almost inevitable that the Sharks would capitalise.

Grant Williams duly obliged, showing the predatory instincts that have made him one of the most dangerous scrum-halves in South African rugby. After two lineouts had been set up without reward, Williams spotted the gap at the base of the ruck. His dart was perfectly timed, finding the soft shoulder of the Stormers’ defence, and he was over before anyone could lay a hand on him. Hendrikse’s conversion put the Sharks 7-5 ahead despite that disastrous start.

The pattern of the contest was established. The Sharks dominated territory and possession, winning the aerial battle hands down with Fassi so much sounder under the high ball than his opposite number Willemse. Wings Edwill van der Merwe and Jaco Williams were brilliant on the chase, repeatedly forcing the Stormers back into their own half with their willingness to compete for every contestable kick.

“If you can’t get out of your half, you can’t play rugby,” Esterhuizen noted afterwards. “You will be trapped the whole time. It fits conditions like this.”

The humidity in Durban made handling treacherous and kicking paramount. The Sharks understood this better than their opponents, playing with a clear plan that targeted the Stormers’ vulnerabilities in the air. Time and again, contestable kicks from the Hendrikse brothers – Grant in the first half, Jaden after the break – caused chaos in the Stormers’ back three.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s penalties kept the visitors in touch, restoring their lead at 8-7 and then extending it to 11-7 after Kolisi was penalised for playing the scrum-half illegally. But the Sharks’ second try, on 24 minutes, demonstrated their superiority in the tight exchanges. The forwards did all the hard work first, powering through the Stormers’ defence with an impressive maul drive that sucked in defenders. When the ball was worked around the corner, Hooker showed excellent anticipation to be in the right place, diving over a ruck to dot down from close range. Hendrikse’s conversion made it 14-11 to the hosts.

The Stormers should have struck back moments later. After camping on the Sharks’ line through multiple phases, lock Adré Smith appeared to have scored from close range. The celebrations were already beginning when referee Allison called for a TMO review – and the try was chalked off for an obstruction by prop Neethling Fouché in the build-up. It was a cruel blow, and Smith’s day got worse when Dobson replaced him with JD Schickerling shortly afterwards in an attempt to stabilise the stuttering lineout.

Yet somehow, the visitors led 17-14 at half-time. Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s boot was the difference – two monster penalties from beyond 50 metres in the final minutes of the half keeping the Stormers’ hopes alive despite being comprehensively outplayed in most other facets. The first came after a scrum penalty, 53 metres out, and the captain showed ice-cold composure to slot it and level the scores. Then, with the clock in red, Ben-Jason Dixon put in a textbook tackle on Fassi and won a penalty on the ground. Feinberg-Mngomezulu stepped up again from long range and made no mistake. His accuracy was exceptional, but it was masking deeper problems that would eventually prove fatal.

When De Villiers scored his brilliant individual try three minutes into the second half, it seemed the Stormers might escape with a victory their overall performance did not merit. Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s up-and-under was perfectly weighted, hanging in the humid Durban air. De Villiers, back from his first-half yellow card, gathered in space with no Sharks defender within five metres. What followed was outstanding – the flanker ran a superb angle towards the posts, showed devastating footwork to step inside one defender, then outside another, before powering through a third tackle attempt to crash over. Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s conversion stretched the lead to 10 points at 24-14. For a brief, tantalising moment, the Stormers were in control.

Then Van Heerden was yellow-carded for repeated infringements at a defensive lineout, and the game changed irrevocably. The Stormers had conceded 11 penalties in just 47 minutes – their ill-discipline had reached critical levels, and now they would pay the ultimate price.

The Sharks scored twice in four minutes to turn a 24-14 deficit into a 28-24 lead. The first try was a thing of beauty. Grant Williams received the ball 30 metres out and spotted a mismatch in the Stormers’ depleted defence. He accelerated through the gap, his footwork leaving two defenders grasping at thin air, before drawing the last man and feeding Esterhuizen on his shoulder. The captain had the simplest of tasks, strolling over untouched to cap a magnificent afternoon’s work. Hendrikse converted to cut the deficit to three.

Four minutes later, the bonus point was secured in clinical fashion. From a scrum, Grant Williams again provided the spark, finding his namesake Jaco running a channel close to the forwards. The winger took the pass at pace, showed electric acceleration to beat the covering defender, and raced over out wide for his second try in as many weeks against the Stormers. Hendrikse’s conversion from the touchline was magnificent, curling between the posts to put the Sharks 28-24 ahead. The momentum had swung decisively.

“We talked about it this week to start the halves well,” Dobson admitted. “We probably got both right, but the rest wasn’t a behaviour change from last week. I think the two games were very similar.”

Similar – and similarly frustrating for Stormers supporters. The same ill-discipline that had cost them in Cape Town resurfaced in Durban. The same lineout malfunctions. The same inability to win the aerial contest. The same failure to convert promising positions into points.

Hendrikse’s 68th-minute penalty, slotted from 40 metres after the Stormers’ front row buckled at the scrum, extended the lead to seven points. The visitors were running out of time and ideas.

Then came the moment that will define this match – and haunt Warrick Gelant for years to come. Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s clearance kick was poor, lacking both distance and direction. The ball bounced into the Stormers’ in-goal area, and Gelant dropped back to deal with what should have been a routine situation.

What happened next was inexplicable. The full-back took his time, far too casual with the ball at his feet, seemingly unaware of the danger racing towards him. Jaco Williams, who had been chasing kicks all afternoon, was not about to stop now. He sprinted 40 metres at full pace while Gelant dawdled, arriving just as the full-back finally bent down to dot the ball dead. Williams got there first, touching down under Gelant’s nose for one of the most bizarre tries in URC history.

It was reminiscent of the infamous Robbie Fleck/Deon Kayser incident from a Super Rugby clash between these same teams in 2000, when Stormers centre Fleck thought he was through for the try only to be hit from behind by the flying Kayser. Twenty-six years later, the Stormers had found another way to gift the Sharks a try through a moment of inexcusable casualness.

Hendrikse’s conversion drifted wide, but the damage was done. At 36-24 with nine minutes remaining, the Stormers were now playing for a losing bonus point rather than victory.

They threw everything at the Sharks in the closing stages, winning back-to-back scrum penalties and kicking to touch on both occasions. Marcel Theunissen was held up over the try-line as the visitors launched wave after wave of attacks. But the Sharks’ defence, which had been outstanding all afternoon, held firm. When the Stormers knocked on in contact from the final restart, the whistle blew on a famous double.

“Five-metre lineouts not converted, giving penalties away at mauls which led to some of the discipline stuff,” Dobson lamented. “So to fix the stuff, there needs to be a behaviour change. It was really poor from us and I feel bad for our supporters.”

For the Sharks, this was vindication of the work Pietersen has done since taking over as interim coach six weeks ago. In that period, his side has won four from five matches, beating Saracens in the Champions Cup, hammering Clermont and completing this remarkable double over the previously unbeaten Stormers.

“Give JP Pietersen the Sharks job and let him get on with it,” wrote one analyst. “He is not an interim measure.”

The appointment of Esterhuizen as captain has proved inspired. The powerful centre led from the front throughout both derbies, his physicality in the collisions setting the tone for his team-mates. Around him, players who had looked subdued earlier in the season – Kolisi, Fassi, the Hendrikse brothers – performed with the intensity and authority expected of Springboks.

The Sharks head into a three-week break with their confidence sky-high, having climbed from 14th to eighth in the standings. The Stormers, by contrast, have four weeks to address the problems that have now cost them three of their last four matches.

“There has to be a behaviour change,” Dobson insisted. “It is really poor from us.”

What they said

John Dobson (Stormers head coach): “Credit to the Sharks, they beat us properly over the past two weeks. Our discipline was poor and our set-piece definitely let us down. I thought their aerial game was really good and they played with a really clear plan that worked for them. The most frustrating thing about tonight is that everything that went wrong last week went wrong this week. There has to be a behaviour change – it is really poor from us and bad for our supporters.”

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Stormers captain): “The lack of discipline cost us. When we played our game, we were on top of them. Going into halftime, we were up 24-14, and we just let it slip. Within ten minutes, we went from an upbeat team scoring tries. That’s just the reality. We were being reckless, careless and irresponsible. Our discipline is costing us.”

André Esterhuizen (Sharks captain): “Jaden came on and did very well. Grant as well in the first half. We just got a bit of wind behind us in the second half, which helped us a bit. The contesting from our wings, they were superb in the air. We put them under so much pressure, and we won a lot of scraps. That’s what we worked on the whole week. It’s one of the most important parts of the game – if you can’t get out of your half, you can’t play rugby.”

JP Pietersen (Sharks interim head coach): Speaking before the match, Pietersen had predicted: “With the humidity, there will be some errors with the slippery ball, so it’ll be a scrum battle, lineouts, mauling, and high-ball contesting.” His side delivered on all fronts.

Player of the match

Jaco Williams’ opportunistic double earned him the man of the match award, but this was a collective effort from a Sharks side transformed under Pietersen’s guidance. Captain André Esterhuizen was immense throughout – leading from the front in the collisions, providing go-forward ball and capping his performance with a well-taken try. Grant Williams controlled proceedings superbly from scrum-half, his tempo and decision-making perfect for the conditions, while Edwill van der Merwe was a menace in the aerial contest.

For the Stormers, Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s four penalties – including two from beyond 50 metres – kept his side in a contest they otherwise had no right to be in. But even his prodigious boot could not compensate for the failings elsewhere.

Teams

Sharks: Aphelele Fassi; Edwill van der Merwe, Ethan Hooker, André Esterhuizen (captain), Jaco Williams; Jordan Hendrikse, Grant Williams; Phepsi Buthelezi, Vincent Tshituka, Siya Kolisi; Emile van Heerden, Corne Rahl; Hanro Jacobs, Fez Mbatha, Ox Nche
Replacements: Eduan Swart, Phatu Ganyane, Vincent Koch, Jason Jenkins, Nick Hatton, Jaden Hendrikse, Siya Masuku, Jurenzo Julius

Stormers: Damian Willemse; Dylan Maart, Wandisile Simelane, Jonathan Roche, Leolin Zas; Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (captain), Cobus Reinach; Evan Roos, Ben-Jason Dixon, Paul de Villiers; Ruben van Heerden, Adré Smith; Neethling Fouché, André-Hugo Venter, Oli Kebble
Replacements: JJ Kotzé, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Zachary Porthen, JD Schickerling, Marcel Theunissen, Stefan Ungerer, Jurie Matthee, Warrick Gelant

Referee: Christopher Allison (SARU)

Yellow cards: Paul de Villiers (Stormers, 8′ – collapsing maul); Ruben van Heerden (Stormers, 47′ – repeated infringements)