Sharks Make Major Statement Against Leinster As SA Sides Enjoy Mixed Fortunes in URC
- The Hollywoodbets Sharks pulled off a result that only a handful of sides have managed against the defending URC champions
- The 10bet Lions mounted a second-half comeback that turned a half-time deficit into a dominant bonus-point win
- Both South African sides playing away from home returned with something from their matches, but it was not enough
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SOUTH AFRICA — Two South African sides recorded home victories in the second round of the 2026/27 Vodacom United Rugby Championship on Saturday, 3 October, while their compatriots returned from Europe with losing bonus points.
SA Rugby reports that the Hollywoodbets Sharks moved to the top of the URC standings after edging defending champions Leinster 26-20 in Durban, while the 10bet Lions defeated the Ospreys 35-19 in Johannesburg. The DHL Stormers and Vodacom Bulls both came up short on the road.
Sharks stun Leinster in Durban thriller
The Sharks made history at home, recording only their second-ever victory over Leinster. Robbie Henshaw's early converted try gave the Irish side a 7-0 lead, but tries from Manu Tshituka and Litelihle Bester, both converted by Vusi Moyo, put the hosts 14-7 ahead at the break.
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Leinster responded after the interval, with Tom Clarkson's try and a Sam Prendergast penalty edging them 15-14 ahead. The Sharks then reasserted themselves through captain Andre Esterhuizen, whose converted try restored their lead.
Edwill van der Merwe sealed the result with an intercept try in the 78th minute. Andrew Osborne scored a consolation for Leinster in injury time, but the Durban side held on to win 26-20.
Lions dominate second half against Ospreys
In Johannesburg, the Lions trailed the Ospreys 12-10 at half-time before producing a commanding second-half performance. PJ Botha and Morné Brandon each scored from driving mauls, while Boeta Chamberlain and Kelly Mpeku — who crossed twice in three minutes — completed a 35-19 bonus-point victory.
Ross Moriarty scored late for Ospreys, but the outcome was already decided.
Stormers and Bulls fall short in the north
The Stormers were beaten 17-13 by Edinburgh at Hive Stadium on Friday in testing conditions. Hacjivah Dayimani's try, converted by Yaqeen Ahmed, put the Cape side 13-10 ahead. However, Rory McHaffie's late corner score gave Edinburgh the win.
In Limerick, the Bulls and Munster were level at 14-14 at the break before Charlie O'Shea's brace and an Alex Kendellen score put the hosts 26-17 clear. Jeandré Rudolph's try in the 73rd minute brought the Bulls within four points. However, they could not force their way back into the contest, falling 26-22.
Following round two, the Sharks sit atop the URC standings with a perfect 10 points from two home games. The Lions are third on nine points, while the Stormers and Bulls occupy seventh and eighth positions respectively. All four South African sides face each other in a derby round next Saturday.
Siya Kolisi ends five-year Stormers absence
Briefly News previously reported that Siya Kolisi had returned to the Stormers starting XV after more than five years away from the Cape franchise.
The Springbok captain finally made his long-awaited return against Edinburgh, marking a significant moment for the side where his professional career began.
Kolisi started at openside flank and earned his 119th Stormers cap, but his comeback ended in disappointment.
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Source: Briefly News
