Shark 22-12 Ulster (Result)
FT: Sharks 22-12 Ulster
That is all from us after Ulster lose their opening game of their South African tour in sweltering heat against the Sharks in Durban.
It was far from a free-flowing game, but Richie Murphy will have seen some positive signs from his new side as well as some areas to work on ahead of the game against the Stormers next weekend.
Thanks for joining us, goodbye!
Image source, Getty ImagesFT: Sharks 22-12 Ulster
Ulster captain Iain Henderson speaking to Viaplay after the game: "It was tough for us, we thought in the first 15-20 minutes we had good territory, but we couldn't convert it to points which was a big issue.
"We gave far too much access to the Sharks and we know they are dangerous and they punished us.
"I thought our line-out went pretty well, fair play to Sharks they have good players and we know they like to do that as well, (driving maul) they got a few up on us there and we will find that difficult to take."
Looking ahead to the Stormers game: "We know they will bring similar qualities that the Sharks did today, massive counter attack threat and a big pack, so we need to make sure we sort out a lot of our basics for next week."
Sharks 22-12 Ulster
Richie Murphy's first game in charge of Ulster ends in defeat in Durban.
After a dominant period during the midway point of the first half, Ulster faded and the Sharks took advantage of errors to pick up a well needed win.
Next up for Ulster will be a game against the Stormers next weekend.
Image source, BBC SportSharks 22-12 Ulster
Sharks 22-12 Ulster
Scott Wilson produces a superb last ditch tackle to prevent Vincent Tshituka from dashing over.
It is all hands on deck for Ulster from a defensive perspective at the moment.
Sharks 22-12 Ulster
All the players that were sent to the sin-bin are back on the pitch, how Ulster need Iain Henderson and James Hume as they tire in the closing stages of this game trying to stop the Sharks from crossing again for the bonus-point.
Sharks 22-12 Ulster
The Sharks are inches away from a third try, but Corne Rahl knocks the ball on just as he goes to touch it down on the line.
Ulster survive a scare after coughing up possession in a dangerous area.
Sharks 22-12 Ulster
John Andrew is on for Tom Stewart as Ulster search for a way back into the game.
Bongi Mbonambi
Ulster's ill-discipline comes back to bite them as the Sharks employ a driving maul before Bongi Mbonambi crashes over to restore their 10 point advantage.
Siya Masuku's effort from the tee goes wide, but it is hard to see Ulster coming back from this position.
Sharks 17-12 Ulster
Iain Henderson comes in with a high tackle on Vincent Kough, who reacts and the melee ensues.
Henderson receives a yellow card for the tackle, with James Hume and Vincent Tshituka also going off for 10 minutes after escalating the scuffle.
It is 14 v 13 now as the Sharks push to extend their lead.
Sharks 17-12 Ulster
Tempers are flaring here in Durban, with the referee struggling to keep up with the different scuffles, with numerous sinbins set to follow.
It all started after a high tackle from Iain Henderson.
The TMO is getting involved to sort it all out.
Sharks 17-12 Ulster
Matty Rea, fresh from the bench makes an immediate impact on the game, getting involved in a scuffle with Aphelele Fassi seconds after his introduction for Harry Sheridan.
Scott Wilson also comes on for Tom O'Toole, who was recently ousted at the scrum.
Sharks 17-7 Ulster
Ulster are back in the game in rather dubious circumstances.
They drive to the line, with Harry Sheridan punching the ball out of the lineout and finding Kieran Treadwell, who wrestles to get over the line.
The try is given after a TMO review with the officials unable to find a conclusive angle to change the decision.
John Cooney misses the conversion.
Sharks 17-7 Ulster
Siya Masuku stretches the Sharks' lead by firing over from close range.
Sharks 14-7 Ulster
The Sharks have started the second half just as they ended the first, putting Ulster under serious pressure which they are just about surviving at the minute, although they are struggling to get out of their own half.
Sharks 14-7 Ulster
Nick Timoney and Steven Kitshoff are off after a sold 50 minutes of work with Sean Raffell and Andrew Warwick replacing them.
Eduan Keyter (Con - Siya Masuku)
A fine try from the Sharks puts them ahead for the first time in the game.
The ball is worked out to Makazole Mapimpi who kicks through the gap to find Eduan Keyter, he kicks the ballforward and dashes over, under pressure from Nathan Doak.
A lengthily TMO review takes place, but the try is awarded.
Siya Masuku sinks the conversion to put a seven-point buffer between the two sides.
Sharks 7-7 Ulster
Nathan Doak is in at the number 10 position with Billy Burns going off holding his arm, a blow for Ulster.
Sharks 7-7 Ulster
Just like the first half we have an early stoppage at the start of the second half as Billy Burns receives treatment after a heavy collision.
Sharks 7-7 Ulster
We're underway in the second half with no changes on either side.
Sharks 7-7 Ulster
We go in level at the break after a scrappy first half in Durban.
After a slow start, the game burst into life after Harry Sheridan's well-worked try, before Ulster gifted the Sharks a route back into the game through Phepsi Butelezi's try.
The Sharks ended the first half well and Ulster will be keen to provide a response in the second half to get Richie Murphy's reign off to a positive start.