Ulster lose Billy Burns to injury as Richie Murphy's reign begins in Durban defeat

IT WAS NEVER going to be an easy day in Africa for the Ulstermen given that the Sharks were enriched with returning World Cup winners and, perhaps more significantly, they were fed up with their basement position in the URC table.

The Sharks’ returning Boks lifted spirits and it was some of their younger players, like the outstanding centre Ethan Hooker, who lit up the show. Another Springbok, Ulster’s Steven Kitshoff, was equally influential and stole a crucial turnover for his side when fellow World Cup winner Makazole Mapimpi was tackled in front of the Ulster posts.

From the ensuing scrum near the posts, the Sharks won a scrum penalty but when they rumbled the ball toward the line they knocked on. Ulster were most grateful for the charity, with the half-time hooter sounding seconds later. Out-half Masuku converted and a few minutes later added a penalty. Suddenly, the Sharks had a 10-point cushion at 17-7.

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