The Ospreys got absolutely rocked in their United Rugby Championship opener, falling 41-24 to the Sharks, but somehow, they still managed to snatch a four-try bonus point from the jaws of defeat. It’s an opening weekend loss in South Africa for the second straight season, but that bonus point? It’s a small consolation that could loom large as the early season unfolds.
Sharks Came Out Firing, Ospreys Were on Their Heels Early
From the jump, the Sharks were just flat out better. They were up 28-14 at half-time, and it felt like the Ospreys were chasing the game the entire first half. Nick Hatton, Manu Tshituka, Luan Giliomee, and Lili Bester all crossed the line for Sharks tries, with Moyo nailing four conversions. It took the Ospreys a full half-hour just to get inside the Sharks’ 22, which is just wild, right? When they finally did, Luke Morgan punched one in to cut the gap to 21-7 after three Sharks tries. Tshituka went right through some weak tackles, and 20-year-old Giliomee showed off some serious talent. The Sharks even had their try bonus before the half-time whistle thanks to Bester’s score. This team, which finished 10th last season, looks totally different right now.
A Glimmer of Hope and a Spirited Fight for the Bonus
Despite the beatdown, the Ospreys kept battling. Luke Morgan and Sam Parry got on the scoreboard, and then Liam Wright, the former Australia captain on his debut, found a gaping hole to get them right back in it, making it 28-19 with tries either side of half-time. Captain Parry got his score from a driving line-out, and flanker Wright, along with fellow Australian recruits Lawson Creighton and Lalakai Foketi, really tried to spark something. But Vusi Moyo for the Sharks knocked over a couple of penalties, re-establishing their dominance, and player of the match Giliomee even grabbed his second try. Still, the Ospreys had that bonus point in their sights, and they got it with nine minutes left when Iestyn Hopkins finished off a Kieran Hardy snipe. That four-try bonus, just like last season at the Bulls, shows some grit, even in a big loss.
Next Saturday, Mark Jones’ squad faces an even bigger test, heading to Johannesburg to take on the Lions. Not only are the Lions tough, but they’ll be playing at altitude. The Ospreys are gonna need every ounce of that spirit they showed in Durban if they want to get their season truly started. It’s gonna be a tough one, but you gotta hope that bonus point gives them something to build on.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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