Sharks top URC standings after stunning Leinster with late Van der Merwe try

The Hollywoodbets Sharks sit alone at the top of the United Rugby Championship after becoming the only team to collect maximum points from the opening two rounds, defeating defending champions Leinster Rugby 26-20 at Kings Park in Durban on Saturday evening.

Winger Edwill van der Merwe was named Player of the Match after crossing for a try two minutes from time to seal both the victory and the bonus point — a result that signals a sharp upturn in form for a Sharks side that missed the play-offs entirely last season.

“It was a very tiring match with a lot of kick battles,” said Van der Merwe. “At half-time, we said just keep sticking to our game plan. We knew there were going to be gaps somewhere in the second half and it was about capitalising on our opportunities. If you have a pack of forwards like that, it’s nice to play rugby as backs and it was awesome to be at home. We are loving Durban.”

Cardiff Rugby occupy second place after running in six tries in a 47-27 bonus-point win over Zebre Parma at the Arms Park on Friday night. Young winger Tom Bowen scored a brace as Cardiff led 47-8 after 54 minutes before Zebre staged a final-quarter rally to claim a losing bonus point of their own.

Coach Corniel van Zyl acknowledged the late wobble but was satisfied with the overall performance. “For an hour, we stuck to task and were very good at times,” he said. “It probably didn’t end up ruthless, but it was okay.” Cardiff now travel to Dublin to face Leinster at the newly redeveloped Laya Arena next weekend.

The 10Bet Lions are third after a 35-19 bonus-point victory over the Ospreys in Johannesburg, with winger Kelly Mpeku scoring two tries in three minutes to help overturn a 12-10 half-time deficit.

Edinburgh Rugby sit fourth following back-to-back wins, the latest a hard-fought 17-13 home victory over the DHL Stormers at the Hive Stadium. The decisive score came nine minutes from time when teenage winger Rory McHaffie collected a long pass from fly-half James Grayson on the bounce and crossed at the corner, with Grayson adding a touchline conversion into the wind to extend the lead.

“I am very happy. We haven’t had this for some time. It’s a great start,” said Edinburgh coach Sean Everitt. “I thought our boys stood up well and showed great fight against a very strong Stormers team. Everyone contributed. I am very proud of the boys.”