mens
United-rugby-championship
Gianni Lombard scored the key points in a great defensive performance Sharks to a 15-5 win over low-scoring Munster.
In inhospitable rainy conditions at Thomond Park, scoring opportunities were plentiful and JP Pietersen’s men were on top form as they made it back-to-back away wins for the first time in the URC.
Zekhethelo Siyaya created the opener for the visitors and his shot was kindly picked up by the Lombardo half to lift and cross.
Munster He had one penalty saved in pursuit of a try but took the points just before half-time, allowing JJ Hanrahan to reduce the deficit to two at the break.
Lombard hit back with a penalty of his own in the 53rd minute, and the away team’s counter-attack was blocked by Munster.
Sharks skipper Nick Hatton capped an evening of limited attacking threat by creating his side’s second, outplaying scrum-half Ivan van Zyl with Lombard adding the extras.
Meanwhile, the Dragons have avoided relegation for a third straight game United Rugby Championship loss after securing a 35-14 bonus point victory Zebras Newport.
Filo Tiatia’s men suffered two successive defeats against Welsh rivals Ospreys and struck first against basement side Zebre when David Richards crossed for their first try in the sixth minute at Rodney Parade.
Tinus de Beer kicked the first of four conversions and left winger Anzelo Tuitavuki added to his lead in the 29th minute.
It was 14-0 at halftime, and then Zebre was left without a hand when Simone Gesi was sent to the bin for his sons in the 55th minute.
Fine Inisi took an immediate advantage, scoring for the Dragons’ fourth, before Zebre reduced the deficit with a Matteo Canali try before Cai Evans restored the Welsh side’s lead.
Tobias Wade tried to fight back for Zebre – Giacomo da Re converting for the second time – and the Dragons’ penalty effort put the comeback well out of reach.
