A Springbok-laden Hollywoodbets Sharks side fell 26–34 to Ulster in their United Rugby Championship encounter at Kings Park Stadium on Saturday.
The defeat means the Sharks are still searching for their first win of the season, having now lost three of their opening four matches.
This result came despite the return of several Springbok stars who recently helped South Africa clinch the Rugby Championship title. Among those back in action were Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Ox Nche, Vincent Koch, Grant Williams, Ethan Hooker, Makazole Mapimpi, and Andre Esterhuizen.
Jordan Hendrikse also made his first appearance of the season after recovering from injury.
Despite the strength of their lineup, the Sharks struggled to maintain control, with Ulster disrupting their set-pieces and winning key turnovers. The Irish visitors — who had lost their previous three matches against the Durban-based side — defied the odds to secure a memorable win.
The Sharks’ points came through tries from Siya Kolisi, Makazole Mapimpi, Andre Esterhuizen, and a penalty try after Ulster were penalised for repeated infringements.
Ulster, however, responded with four tries of their own through Mike Lowry, Werner Kok (a former Sharks player), Callum Reid, and Tom Stewart, which proved enough to seal victory.
While the Sharks remain winless this season, Ulster continued their perfect start with three wins from three matches in the competition.
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