Flanker James Venter rounded off a scrappy win as the Sharks shook off a difficult week to beat Ospreys in Durban on Friday evening.
The 25-10 final score flatters the Sharks, but a win is all the hosts would have wanted in a week where former head coach Sean Everitt was sacked in the aftermatch of a 35-0 loss to Cardiff.
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In reality, aside from the final 10 minutes in each half, the home side was well-matched by an Ospreys outfit that has won just once this season and had been struggling with illness all week.
The visitors were a missed conversion away from taking a 12-11 lead into the final 10 minutes after No 8 Morgan Morris stormed across the tryline following a strong maul.
Pleasingly for the Sharks, the substitutes made a positive impact in the closing stages, when Curwin Bosch and Venter scored to seal the victory.
While he struggled with his consistency in kicking for touch, Bosch was solid in his return from an arm injury. In his first start of the season, the flyhalf kicked two penalties to go with his late try and was named man of the match.
The Sharks will know they have plenty of work to do before they make their Champions Cup debut at home to Harlequins next Saturday.
After a TMO referral, the Cell @SharksRugby score another ?
They bounce back with a much-needed win against the @ospreys
#SHAvOSP | @Vodacom #URC | #UnitedWeRise pic.twitter.com/24WJSFUyDi
— vodacomrugby (@VodacomRugga) December 2, 2022
Photo: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images
