Bok boost won't make Ulster a walkover for Sharks at Kings Park

The Sharks will get a timely lift this weekend from the availability of more of their Springbok big guns on their return to Kings Park for their United Rugby Championship (URC) clash against Ulster, but anyone expecting a comfortable homecoming victory could be in for a surprise.

- ROWAN CALLAGHAN

SPRINGBOK back Ethan Hooker scored the Sharks' only try in their URC match against Leinster. | BackpagePix

(BackpagePix)

The Irish visitors have started their URC campaign strongly, showing a disregard for big reputations in last weekend’s dismantling of the Bulls, where they combined sharp execution with defensive discipline to claim a second five-pointer and position themselves among the form sides of the competition.

The Bulls opted for a Springbok-laden squad in pursuit of their third consecutive win in the competition but came undone thanks to a second-half onslaught from the Irish side in Belfast.

Sharks head coach John Plumtree recalled Bok backs Ethan Hooker and Makazole Mapimpi to the starting lineup against Leinster, with forwards Bongi Mbonambi and Vincent Koch coming off the bench in the 31-5 loss to the defending champions.