Sharks Make Flying Start With 41-24 Win Over Ospreys

Five tries and a commanding attacking display saw the Sharks begin their United Rugby Championship campaign with a convincing victory over Ospreys at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.

The Hollywoodbets Sharks made a statement on the opening weekend of the United Rugby Championship as they powered to a 41-24 victory over Ospreys in Durban on Saturday.

Playing their first URC match of the new season at home, the Sharks produced a blistering attacking display, scoring five tries and keeping the Ospreys at arm's length for large periods of the contest.

Captain Nick Hatton got the Sharks off the mark in the 11th minute, with Vusi Moyo adding the conversion to give the hosts an early 7-0 lead.

The Sharks continued to threaten every time they moved the ball wide and doubled their advantage through Manu Tshituka in the 21st minute. Moyo converted again before Luan Giliomee added another try six minutes later, putting the Sharks 19-0 ahead.

Moyo's third successful conversion soon followed as the Sharks opened up a 21-0 lead and appeared to be running away with the contest.

The Ospreys finally found a response in the 31st minute when Luke Morgan crossed for their opening try. Lawson Creighton converted to reduce the deficit to 21-7.

However, the Sharks responded almost immediately. Litelihle Bester powered over in the 36th minute, with Moyo adding the extras to restore the hosts' 21-point advantage.

The Ospreys refused to surrender and struck twice either side of half-time to keep themselves in contention.

Sam Parry scored from a driving maul shortly before the break, while Liam Wright crossed early in the second half. Creighton converted Parry's try and added another two points from the tee, bringing the Ospreys back to within nine points at 28-19.

That comeback, however, was short-lived.

The Sharks regained control through the boot of Moyo, who kicked penalties in the 52nd and 55th minutes to extend the lead to 34-19.

Giliomee then put the result beyond doubt in the 66th minute, finishing a sweeping Sharks attack for his second try of the afternoon. Siya Masuku converted to make it 41-19.

The Ospreys continued to battle and added a late consolation score, but the Sharks held firm to secure a 41-24 victory.

For the Sharks, the result provided an ideal start to JP Pietersen's first full URC campaign as head coach. Their attacking execution was a major feature, with the hosts repeatedly finding space in the Ospreys defence and making the most of their opportunities.

Giliomee was particularly influential, scoring twice, while Moyo's goal-kicking kept the scoreboard moving throughout the contest.

The Ospreys showed plenty of attacking character, scoring four tries through Morgan, Parry, Wright and their late second-half effort, but they were unable to match the Sharks' intensity and efficiency.

The victory is particularly significant for the Sharks after they narrowly missed out on the URC playoffs last season. They also avenged their 21-17 defeat to the Ospreys in Bridgend in April, a result that contributed to the Sharks missing out on the knockout stages.

With five tries, 41 points and an emphatic opening-round victory, the Sharks have made a strong start to the new URC campaign.

Final score: Sharks 41-24 Ospreys.