The Scarlets battled hard in an exhilarating match against the Sharks in Durban but ultimately fell 29-19, keeping them at the bottom of the URC table. Despite the defeat, it was a spirited performance from the west Welsh side, who lit up the game with thrilling tries from Marcus van der Merwe, Blair Murray, and Tom Rogers.
The teams, both struggling in the table, put on a show with relentless end-to-end action. The Scarlets saw the return of five internationals, including the likes of Tom Rogers and Sam Lousi, gearing up for a tough encounter against a Sharks squad packed with Springbok stars like Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth.
Sharks struck early, with Vincent Tshituka crossing the line just five minutes in. But Scarlets responded with van der Merwe diving over after a charge from Johnny Williams, bringing the visitors level. Blair Murray’s dazzling try, following a cheeky chip and favourable bounce, had Scarlets momentarily level again, despite Sharks’ Emmanuel Tshituka and Lee-Marvin Mazibuko scoring for the hosts.
With the scores locked at 19-19 after a solo effort from Rogers in the second half, the match was anyone’s for the taking. But the Sharks powered ahead with Kolisi’s try from a maul, securing that critical bonus point, and Jean Smith sealed the win with a penalty.
Even in the dying moments, Scarlets pushed their opponents, coming close on a few occasions, but it wasn’t to be. Still, fans can be proud of the fight shown on the field!
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