Sharks crash to first defeat of URC season
United Rugby Championship log-leaders Leinster produced a stunning second-half flourish in their fourth round clash against the Cell C Sharks in Dublin on Saturday to secure a 54-34 victory.
This saw the Durban side suffer their first defeat in the competition this season.
The first half was gripping with both sides scoring three tries, but Leinster’s three conversions to one conversion and a penalty goal by the Cell C Sharks saw the hosts enter the sheds with a narrow 21-20 lead.
Leinster hit their straps in full force in the second half, scoring five tries to two by the visitors, which marked fullback Aphelele Fassi and wing Thaakir Abrahams’ braces.
Their accurate execution and a red card in the dying minutes for Cell C Sharks centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg for a dangerous tackle, allowed the hosts to walk away with the convincing victory.
Scorers:
Leinster 54 (21) – Tries: Jason Jenkins, Garry Ringrose (2), Andrew Porter, Robbie Henshaw, Rob Russell, Jonathan Sexton, John McKee. Conversions: Sexton (7).
Cell C Sharks 34 (20) – Tries: Aphelele Fassi (2), Werner Kok, Thaakir Abrahams (2). Conversions: Boeta Chamberlain (2), Nevaldo Fleurs. Penalty goal: Chamberlain.
