The Cell C Sharks took on Ulster at the Kingspan Stadium in a match in which they were just unable to beat the rock-solid Ulster defence, despite their repeated attacking pressure play. Ulster in turn absorbed this pressure and used their scoring opportunities to beat the Sharks 24-21.
The first half of the match initially saw the Sharks doing the most of the attacking play into the Ulster quarter trying to use their driving maul to set up attacking opportunities. Ulster, however, managed to nullify their maul attempts. The solid Ulster defence also prevented the Sharks from scoring.
Ulster eventually started to attack more into the Sharks' half with a combination of clever tactical kicks and by playing the ball quickly through the hands to try and beat the Sharks' defence. They were awarded a successful penalty kick and a converted try for their efforts. The Sharks managed to play more attacking rugby in the Ulster half towards the end of the first half, however, the disrupting and solid Ulster defence spoiled their scoring opportunities. The halftime score was 10-00 in favour of Ulster.
Ulster scored a converted try early in the second half. Thereafter the Sharks camped in the Ulster quarter where they relentlessly attacked the Ulster try line eventually scoring a converted try to get their first points on the scoreboard. Ulster however soon responded with a converted try of their own forcing the Sharks to chase the score. Although the Sharks managed to score two converted tries late in the match to close the scoreline gap it was too little too late.
16:37 A penalty was given against the Sharks in their quarter which John Cooney successfully kicked to open Ulster's scoring tally. (03-00)
20:00 The first 20 minutes of the match saw the Sharks repeatedly playing in the Ulster quarter trying to attack the try line with driving mauls which the solid Ulster defence managed to nullify. On one or two occasions, Ulster managed to play into the Sharks' quarter and attack the Sharks' try line but poor execution and good defence by the Sharks prevented them from scoring. Ulster did however manage to kick a penalty kick for 3 points.
26:01 Mike Lowry scored a well-worked try for Ulster after the ball was played wide from a ruck in the Sharks' quarter. The try was converted by John Cooney. (10-00)
40:00 Ulster eventually started to attack more into the Sharks' half with a combination of clever tactical kicks and by playing the ball quickly through the hands to try and beat the Sharks' defence. They were awarded a successful penalty kick and a converted try for their efforts. The Sharks managed to play more attacking rugby in the Ulster half towards the end of the half, however, the disrupting and solid Ulster defence spoiled their scoring opportunities.
43:46 Stuart McCloskey scored a try for Ulster after the ball was played deftly through the hands from a ruck in the Sharks' quarter beating the Sharks' defence. The try was converted by John Cooney. (17-00)
60:00 Ulster scored a converted try early in the second half. Thereafter the Sharks camped in the Ulster quarter where they relentlessly attacked the Ulster try line however they were unable to beat the rock-solid Ulster defence.
61:56 Ntuthuko Mchunu scored a try for the Sharks after they relentlessly attacked the Ulster try line. The try was converted by Curwin Bosch. (17-07)
64:20 James Hume scored a brilliant try for Ulster after Ulster beat the Sharks' defence out wide in the midfield. The try was converted by John Cooney. (24-07)
75:29 Marius Louw scored a very good try after the Sharks broke the Ulster defence from the midfield. The try was converted by Boeta Chamberlain. (24-14)
78:52 Sharks replacement Grant Williams scored a brilliant try after he ran from the Sharks' quarter. The try was converted by Boeta Chamberlain. (24-21)
Scorers:
Ulster: Tries: Mike Lowry, Stuart McCloskey, James Hume. Conversions: John Cooney (3). Penalty: John Cooney
Cell C Sharks: Tries: Ntuthuko Mchunu, Marius Louw. Conversions: Curwin Bosch, Boeta Chamberlain (2).
Teams:
Ulster: 15. Mike Lowry, 14. Rob Baloucoune, 13. James Hume, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 11. Ethan McIlroy, 10. Billy Burns, 9. John Cooney, 8. Duane Vermeulen, 7. Nick Timoney, 6. Marcus Rea, 5. Iain Henderson (c), 4. Alan O’Connor, 3. Tom O’Toole, 2. Rob Herring, 1. Andrew Warwick. Replacements: 16. John Andrew, 17. Eric O’Sullivan, 18. Gareth Milasinovich, 19. Kieran Treadwell, 20. Matty Rea, 21. Nathan Doak, 22. Stewart Moore, 23. Rob Lyttle.
Cell C Sharks: 15. Aphelele Fassi, 14. Werner Kok, 13. Lukhanyo Am, 12. Marius Louw, 11. Makazole Mapimpi, 10. Curwin Bosch, 9. Jaden Hendrikse, 8. Phendulani Buthelezi, 7. Henco Venter, 6. Siyamthanda Kolisi, 5. Reniel Hugo, 4. Ruben van Heerden, 3. Thomas du Toit (captain), 2. Mbongeni Mbonambi, 1. Retshegofaditswe Nche. Replacements: 16. Kerron van Vuuren, 17. Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18. Khutha Mchunu, 19. Hyron Andrews, 20. Jeandré Labuschagne, 21. Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 22. Grant Williams, 23. Boeta Chamberlain.
Article by Francois du Toit