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The Sharks have kept their Vodacom URC playoff hopes alive with a hard-fought win over Cardiff at a hot and muggy Kings Park on Friday night. The Durban side ran in three tries – including a brace by flank Phepsi Buthelezi – to register a 21-15 victory that moves them up to 10th on the overall table. The Sharks eventually found their rhythm after a slow start, striking first in the sixth minute through Phepsi Buthelezi, who powered over from a rolling maul. Jordan Hendrikse added the extras to give the hosts an early 7-0 lead. Cardiff responded swiftly. After building pressure through multiple phases, they turned down a shot at goal in favour of a quick tap – a decision that paid off as Mason Grady finished out wide. Callum Sheedy converted to level matters. The contest then became stop-start, with handling errors creeping in due to the slippery, humid conditions. The Sharks were dealt a setback when Hendrikse was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on, and Cardiff capitalised. A strong lineout platform created space for captain Liam Belcher to break, with Grady collecting a cross-kick to finish for his second. The conversion drifted wide, but the visitors edged ahead. MORE: Stormers make surprise Damian call In response, Sharks coach JP Pietersen made a bold call, introducing a new front row – including Springboks Ox Nché and Vincent Koch – and it had an immediate impact. From a dominant set-piece, Buthelezi struck again, slicing through for his second try. Scrumhalf Bradley Davids converted to restore control. Yaw Penxe with a try for the #VURC showreel ‍ He puts the Sharks ahead at half-time with a beauty Stream on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/bGrSWFk6xk — SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) March 27, 2026 With momentum shifting, the Sharks added a third before the break. Yaw Penxe produced a moment of individual brilliance, chipping into space and regathering to score. Davids added the extras as the hosts took a 21-12 lead into half-time. After the break, both sides showed a willingness to give the ball some air despite the conditions. The Sharks will rue a series of missed chances in that third quarter. On too many occasions, enterprising play ended with a forced pass or handling error. The visitors got the only points of the second half, courtesy of a Sheedy penalty. The Sharks next travel to Ireland for their EPCR Challenge Cup round of 16 clash against Connacht on Good Friday. AFRICA PICKS: URC Round 14 – Betting preview SHARKS – Tries: Phepsi Buthelezi (2), Yaw Penxe. Conversions: Jordan Hendrikse, Bradley Davids (2) CARDIFF – Tries: Mason Grady (2). Conversion: Callum Sheedy. Penalty: Sheedy Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images The post Sharks grind out win over plucky Cardiff appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

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