Sharks open URC season in South Africa with win over Ospreys — TimesLIVE

South African rugby club Sharks defeated Welsh side Ospreys 41:24 in the opening match of the United Rugby Championship season. The team earned a bonus point for scoring four tries by the 35th minute, TimesLIVE reports.

Sharks’ advantage

Sharks opened the scoring within the first five minutes: back-row player Nick Hatton scored a try, and Vusi Moyo converted. By the 35th minute, the hosts led 28:7 after four tries, all converted by Moyo.

Scrum-half Jaden Hendrikse controlled his team’s play. Near the end of the first half, Ospreys won several penalties and reduced the deficit thanks to a try from a maul and a conversion.

Welsh club’s response

Five minutes into the second half, Ospreys scored another try and closed in on Sharks at 28:19. In the 48th minute, Sharks winger Litelihle Bester broke forward and passed to Luan Giliomee, but the full-back dropped the ball and did not finish the attack with a try.

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In the 51st minute, Moyo converted a penalty, and added a second one four minutes later. Thus, the 20-year-old player, who has one appearance for the South African national team, made six successful kicks from six. He also delivered an accurate cross-kick to Suleiman Hartzenberg, but the try was disallowed because Sharks had previously played the ball forward.

Giliomee later scored his second try of the match. In the final 10 minutes, Ospreys responded with a fourth try and earned one competition point. The publication noted the performances of Moyo, Hendrikse, flanker Phepsi Buthelezi and Giliomee, as well as Sharks’ strong work in scrums and attacking lineout mauls.

Before the season, Sharks coach Jay Petersen stressed the importance of the club’s history and a style of play that would match the team’s heritage. He previously made 197 appearances for Sharks in all competitions.