URC: Star-studded Sharks pay the price for ill-discipline against Ulster

By SABC Sport
18th October 2025

The Sharks suffered a 34-26 defeat at home to Ulster in a United Rugby Championship clash at Kings Park, leaving a team stacked with Springboks still searching for their first win of the campaign.

Ulster, coming off an impressive 28-7 victory over the Bulls, caught the Sharks napping with a blistering start.

Michael Lowry crossed for the opening try in the sixth minute, converted by Jack Murphy, before his fellow back - and former Shark - Werner Kok extended the visitors' lead to 17 points by the 22nd minute.

A driving maul try from captain Siya Kolisi 10 minutes later sparked hopes of a fightback, but the home side still finished the first half 20-5 down on the scoreboard.

The second half saw the Sharks fight back, with Makazole Mapimpi scoring in the 49th minute and a penalty try narrowing the gap.

However, disciplinary issues cost the Sharks dearly: Vincent Koch and Mapimpi were both sin-binned, with Mapimpi's yellow for a tip tackle upgraded to a red card in the 60th minute.

Ulster capitalised on the numerical advantage, with Tom Stewart and Callum Reid scoring crucial tries to maintain a comfortable lead.

The Sharks responded with a try from Andre Esterhuizen, but it wasn't enough, as the Springbok-laden side fell to another worrying defeat.