URC: Dragons and Sharks share the spoils in Newport thriller

By SABC Sport
4th October 2025

The Dragons and Sharks fought to a gripping 17-17 draw in their URC clash in Newport on Friday night, ultimately sharing the points after a bruising contest in dreadful conditions.

The visitors made the brighter start, with Marvin Orie muscling over from close range to open the scoring after just eight minutes. Jean Smith's superbly judged conversion in the swirling wind stretched the lead to 7-0. Vincent Tshituka, inspirational as Sharks captain, kept the South Africans on the front foot throughout the first quarter.

The Dragons, however, struck back through Aaron Wainwright, who powered over on the quarter-hour after a slick build-up. Tinus de Beer added the extras, and soon afterwards created the spark for a fine second try. Joe Westwood broke the line and released Angus O'Brien, who crashed across to put the hosts 14-10 in front.

The Sharks regained the lead before the break, however, when Tshituka himself picked and drove over under the posts. Smith converted with ease to send the Durban side into halftime ahead 17-12.

The second half became a war of attrition as the rain intensified and defences dominated. Both packs tore into each other, with scrums becoming a central battleground. The Dragons were first to strike, De Beer slotting a difficult penalty from the left touchline on 64 minutes to bring the sides level at 17-17.

The closing stages were dramatic, with both sides spurning chances to clinch victory. Dragons flanker Ben Carter saw yellow in the 72nd minute, yet the Sharks couldn't turn their numerical advantage into points. In the dying moments, the Welsh region surged into Sharks territory, hammering away at the line for several phases. De Beer even hovered in drop-goal position, but the visitors' defence held firm, and the final whistle came with the Dragons still 8 metres short.

For the Sharks, it was a missed opportunity to bounce back strongly from their opening-round defeat, while the Dragons will rue not converting their late dominance into a first win of the campaign. Still, in heavy rain and swirling winds at Rodney Parade, neither side could be faulted for effort.