Leinster’s wait for a first win of the season goes on after a 26-20 defeat in the Sharks v Leinster clash at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban on Saturday. The reigning URC champions led early and edged back in front with 14 minutes left, but the Sharks scored two late tries to take it, with Leinster leaving with a losing bonus point.
At a glance
- Result: Sharks 26-20 Leinster (half-time 14-7)
- Leinster tries: Robbie Henshaw, Thomas Clarkson, Andrew Osborne
- Leinster kicks: Caspar Gabriel one conversion, Sam Prendergast one penalty
- Sharks tries: Tshituka, Bester, Andre Esterhuizen, Edwill van der Merwe; Simphiwe Moyo three conversions
- Points: the Sharks score four tries for a bonus-point win; Leinster lose by six and take a losing bonus point
- Next up: Leinster v Cardiff at the RDS (Laya Arena), Saturday 10 October, 7.45pm
How it unfolded
Leo Cullen made five changes from last weekend’s one-point defeat to the Lions, with Rónan Kelleher captaining the side from hooker. It started well. Robbie Henshaw, recalled at inside centre, scored the opening try after 17 minutes and Caspar Gabriel converted for a 7-0 lead.
The Sharks, captained by Andre Esterhuizen and boosted by returning Springboks including Eben Etzebeth off the bench, came back strongly. Tshituka levelled before the half-hour, and Bester went over right on half-time to send the home side in 14-7 up.
Leinster responded after the break. Tighthead Thomas Clarkson barrelled over to make it 14-12, and replacement out-half Sam Prendergast kicked a penalty in the 66th minute to edge the visitors 15-14 in front.
It didn’t last. Esterhuizen crossed almost straight away, with Moyo converting, and wing Edwill van der Merwe all but sealed it a minute from time. Andrew Osborne grabbed a try in the closing moments, which was enough to secure a losing bonus point but not to get Leinster anything more.
Back to Dublin
Two rounds in, it’s been a frustrating start for the champions. They’re back on home soil next Saturday, 10 October, when Cardiff visit the newly refurbished RDS, now the Laya Arena, for a 7.45pm kick-off. It’s one of the picks in our guide to what’s on in Dublin this October.
It was a dramatic night for Ulster too, with Ulster rescuing a 33-33 draw against Glasgow thanks to a late Juarno Augustus try at Scotstoun, as reported by our sister site LoveBelfast.
