LATE SHARKS RALLY STUNS BULLS IN DURBAN DERBY THRILLER

In a roller-coaster United Rugby Championship (URC) derby at Hollywood Bets Kings Park on Saturday night, the Sharks pulled off a dramatic 21-12 victory over the Vodacom Bulls.

The Sharks turned the match on its head in the final quarter and left Bulls coach Johan Ackermann frustrated by another squandered opportunity.

The Bulls looked set to steal the show early on, taking a 14-12 lead thanks to four penalty goals from Springbok flyhalf Handré Pollard after a tense first half.

But despite dominating territory and even scrums, the Bulls' attack repeatedly misfired, failing to turn pressure into tries, a recurring theme Ackermann didn’t shy away from criticising post-match.

The turning point came late. With under 10 minutes left, home fans were sent into raptures as the Sharks began to assert themselves. A chip kick into the Bulls’ 22 by replacement scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse was brilliantly chased down and finished by Springbok winger Edwill van der Merwe, sealing the win and igniting Kings Park.

Planet Rugby’s analysis of the fixture highlighted the physicality and intensity throughout, with Sharks full-back Hakeem Kunene crossing for the opener and Siya Kolisi also dotting down in a strong second-half showing.

For Ackermann’s men, this defeat continues a troubling run, marking their third consecutive URC loss and extending their winless streak to five matches across all competitions.

Image credit: The Citizen