Ulster succumb to Sharks as BKT URC play-off hopes take a hit

Ulster's United Rugby Championship play-off bid took a dent as they lost 22-12 to the struggling Sharks in Durban.

It was the Sharks' first league win since November as they climbed off the URC basement thanks to tries from flanker Phepsi Buthelezi, wing Eduan Keyter and hooker Bongi Mbonambi.

Siya Masuku landed two conversions and a penalty as the temperature nudged 30 degrees at Kings Park while Harry Sheridan and Kieran Treadwell claimed touchdowns for Ulster, with John Cooney kicking one conversion.

But even a losing bonus point eluded interim head coach Richie Murphy in his first game at the helm following Dan McFarland's departure, with Ulster temporarily going down to 13 players during the final quarter after captain Iain Henderson and centre James Hume were yellow-carded.

FULL MATCH DETAILS

The Sharks were dealt an injury blow after just two minutes when number eight George Cronje suffered what appeared to be a serious knee problem and was carried off.

It took both teams time to settle after a lengthy stoppage but a scrappy opening quarter ended with Ulster going ahead.

Treadwell made initial headway, charging to within touching distance of the line, before Sheridan finished off and Cooney's conversion opened up a seven-point lead.

The Sharks, despite welcoming back Springboks Makazole Mapimpi, Lukhanyo Am and Eben Etzebeth to their starting line-up, struggled for fluency before they conjured an equalising try out of nothing 13 minutes before half-time.

Ulster were on the attack but they lost possession and Sharks full-back Aphelele Fassi cleared from his own 22, centre Ethan Hooker showed blistering pace to keep the chance alive and Buthelezi touched down, with Masuku adding the extras.

Ulster lost Munster-bound