Ospreys’ URC play-off hopes hit by defeat to Sharks

Ospreys look set to miss out on the United Rugby Championship play-offs after they were beaten 29-10 by Sharks in Durban.

The Welsh side led through an early Dan Edwards penalty, and after Sharks forward Jason Jenkins scored the contest’s first try, Ospreys replied with scrum-half Kieran Hardy crossing having run on to his own grubber kick.

But the effort was ruled out via a TMO review, with there deemed to have been a knock on, and the hosts – who lost Eben Etzebeth to injury just before the half-hour – went on to extend their lead with Andre Esterhuizen and Ethan Hooker touching down either side of the break.

Driving maul

Ospreys subsequently made it 21-10 around the hour, Sam Parry going over after a driving maul.

Sharks swiftly hit back, though, with a Phepsi Buthelezi try, and Siya Masuku added a penalty in the final stages.

While Ospreys were left three points outside the top eight, Sharks have sealed a place in the top four to give them a home fixture in the quarter-finals that follow next week’s final round of regular-season matches.