The Sharks secured a convincing 29-10 victory over the Ospreys at Kings Park Stadium on Friday night, May 9, 2025, showcasing their resilience and depth despite missing several key players. Winger Ethan Hooker was instrumental in the win, scoring the third of the Sharks' four tries as they overcame an early deficit to score 21 unanswered points.
Sharks coach John Plumtree faced a challenging situation as he was without several Springbok stars, including Ox Nche, Lukhanyo Am, Jordan Hendrikse, and Grant Williams. Each of these players has been dealing with injuries or illness, with Nche suffering from the flu, Am recovering from knee swelling, Hendrikse nursing a sore back, and Williams managing a neck complaint. Despite these setbacks, the Sharks managed to field a competitive side and demonstrated their depth.
Plumtree had previously expressed confidence in his squad, stating, "I take every game very seriously, trust me. Ospreys… float around the top four themselves. They’ve got Welsh internationals, they’ve got experience. They’ve got one of the better loose forwards in Jac Morgan. He’s pushing a place at the British & Irish Lions. Dewi Lake is the Welsh captain. These guys are a genuine threat. They can beat anyone on their day, and as we know, we can probably lose to anyone on our day." His words underscored the importance of not underestimating the 11th-placed Ospreys, who had previously defeated the Sharks in their last fixture in November.
The match kicked off at 7 PM, with the Sharks looking to secure a home quarter-final in the United Rugby Championship. A win against the Ospreys, followed by a match against the Scarlets next week, could solidify their position in the top four, potentially setting up a playoff clash against local rivals, the Stormers.
In the opening minutes, the Ospreys took the lead, putting pressure on the Sharks. However, the home side quickly regrouped, with a strong performance from their forwards setting the foundation for their comeback. Jason Jenkins, Andre Esterhuizen, and Phepsi Buthelezi each scored tries, contributing to the Sharks' impressive tally.
Hooker's try was particularly crucial, coming at a time when the Sharks needed to assert their dominance. His pace and agility on the wing were on full display, and he capitalized on a well-executed team play to find the try line. The Sharks' ability to respond with three consecutive tries demonstrated their attacking prowess and determination.
Despite the jubilant atmosphere surrounding the victory, the Sharks faced a significant blow when captain Eben Etzebeth was forced off the field due to what appeared to be a serious knee injury. This incident cast a shadow over the celebrations, as Etzebeth's leadership and experience are invaluable to the team. Plumtree and the Sharks will be anxiously awaiting further medical assessments to determine the extent of his injury.
In the post-match reflections, Plumtree acknowledged the challenges that lay ahead, stating, "We’ve lost to a Leinster side without stars, so they’ll have their own aspirations and goals. It’s going to be a great rugby match." He emphasized the need for his players to focus on their skill sets and rectify any errors made during the match, especially those that occurred in non-pressured situations.
As the Sharks prepare for their upcoming clash against the Scarlets, the coaching staff will need to assess the fitness of their injured players. Plumtree remains hopeful that Grant Williams and Lukhanyo Am could return in time for the crucial match, which could determine their playoff positioning.
With the Sharks currently sitting in fourth place in the United Rugby Championship standings, the victory over the Ospreys not only boosts their confidence but also reinforces their aspirations for a successful playoff run. The team will need to maintain their momentum and address any lingering issues as they gear up for the final stretch of the regular season.
Overall, the Sharks' performance against the Ospreys showcased their depth and resilience, proving that they can compete at a high level even in the absence of key players. As they look ahead to their next match, the focus will be on building on this victory and ensuring that they are fully prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. The Sharks are determined to secure their place in the playoffs and make a strong push for the championship title.
