Sharks became the first side to beat Cardiff at the Arms Park in 2026, claiming an impressive 36-21 victory in the United Rugby Championship (URC). The Blue and Blacks had not lost in the Welsh capital since their defeat by Scarlets last December, their only home loss of the 2025-26 campaign, but the six-try South Africans deservedly took the spoils.
Sharks led 17-7 at half-time thanks to tries by Ethan Hooker, Matt Romao and Jason Jenkins, against one by Josh Adams. The visitors should have had an even more commanding advantage. Cardiff turned the game around with a double from the hugely impressive James Botham, only for Thomas du Toit to put the Durban side back in front inside the final quarter. Ethan Bester secured the win, and Romao added a flourish to continue a strong start to the URC.
Cardiff were overpowered and struggled at the set-piece, leaving them pointless and with no complaints. Six of their seven players came from Wales' Nations Championship squad, and head coach Steve Tandy will be relieved that all appeared to come through a bruising encounter unscathed. The same could not be said for Springboks centre Andre Esterhuizen, who lasted just 20 seconds after injuring his right Achilles when jumping for a high ball.
Sharks did not let that disrupt them. Hooker, swiftly moved from wing to midfield, went over in the second minute, and Cardiff's Josh Adams scored in response. Sharks were later denied a try by the TMO after a knock-on, but earned their reward when Romao exposed weak defence in the 22. A late penalty then allowed Jenkins to muscle over, sealing a 36-21 win.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing