Brave Munster snatch losing bonus point at the death

Hollywoodbets, Sharks, 41 Munster 24
At Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban

Munster needed a good start to this game but it was the Sharks who blazed in front within 52 seconds of the start, full back Aphelele Fassi racing over and outhalf Jordan Hendrikse adding the conversion. It was 14-0 after five minutes, Munster caught for pace and left wing Makazole Mapimpi touched down with Hendrikse again accurate with the kick. The same play popped over a penalty kick after 13 minutes to bring the lead to 17-0 but Munster responded with a well-taken try by Tom Ahern, Crowley missing the conversion. On 24 minutes the home side struck again with Grant Williams and with again accurate from the kicking tee the Sharks lead increased to 24-5.

A great finish by Mike Haley gave Munster some hope but once again Crowley was off target, Williams scored his second try on 36 minutes after the Sharks eight caused havoc in the visitors’ defence, the kick was accurate and the home side went in with a comfortable lead of 31-10. Munster went in search of an early score as the second half got underway but a knock-on spoiled a good chance near the line. The Sharks lost their number six Ventner on 54 mnutes but despite good possession near the try line, Munster could not avail of their chances. Just a few minutes after he came on, Billy Burns’ kick was charged down by Vincent Tshituka and the back-row ran in under the posts, Hendrikse’s conversion bringing the score to 41-10 with 65 minutes played.

Munster staged a fight back and they were rewarded when the impressive Calvin Nash raced over and Billy Burns converted to make a losing bonus point possible. With the clock in the red, skipper Tadhg Beirne achieved that goal when he forced his way over and Burns converted to leave the final score 41-24.

Hollywoodbets Sharks: Aphelele Fassi; Eduan Keyter, Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi; Jordan Hendrikse, Grant Williams: Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi, Vincent Koch; Eben Etzebeth (c), Emile van Heerden; James Venter, Vincent Tshituka, Siya Kolisi.
Replacements: Fez Mbatha, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Ruan Dreyer, Jason Jenkins, Phepsi Buthelezi, Jaden Hendrikse, Siya Masuku, Francois Venter
Munster: Mike Haley, Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Rory Scannell, Seán O’Brien, Jack Crowley, Craig Casey, John Ryan, Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer, Jean Kleyn, Tadhg Beirne (c), Tom Ahern, John Hodnett, Jack O’Donoghue.
Replacements: Diarmuid Barron, Kieran Ryan, Ronan Foxe, Fineen Wycherley, Ruadhán Quinn, Ethan Coughlan, Billy Burns, Alex Kendellen
Referee: Hollie Davidson (SRU, 16th league game)
AR 1: AJ Jacobs (SARU) AR 2: Stephan Geldenhuys (SARU)
TMO: Mike Adamson (SRU)

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