LIVE SCORING | URC: Sharks vs Munster

JP Pietersen’s fifth-placed Sharks will brace themselves for a stern challenge against the ninth-placed Munster at Thomond Park, as the hosts look to build winning momentum after a stuttering start to the competition, which has seen them win one match, draw another, and suffer two defeats.

In stark contrast, the Durban side have won three of their URC matches and they registered a valuable away win against LOU Rugby in the EPCR Challenge Cup, which will fuel their determination to finish their away leg on a high note.

They will have noted that Munster’s biggest defeat in the URC this season was by only six points, while the teams’ defensive statistics are marginal, meaning it could prove to be a humdinger of a clash.

That said, the Sharks have looked good attack this season with their enterprising play, forceful attack and with backs who have speed to burn, and they will want to replicate that style of rugby to come away with more valuable points away from home before looking forward to a good home stretch when the competition resumes in December.

Ahead of this clash, the Sharks have lost regular centres André Esterhuizen and Jurenzo Julius to injury, and so Ethan Hooker shifts from the left wing to No 12, partnering Suleiman Hartzenberg in midfield.

Kick off is at 19:30 (SA time).

FOLLOW THE LIVE SCORING AS THE SHARKS TACKLE MUNSTER

MATCH INFORMATION

Munster: 15 Ben O’Connor, 14 Shay McCarthy, 13 Gordon Wood, 12 Alex Nankivell, 11 Rob Russell, 10 JJ Hanrahan, 9 Ben O’Donovan, 8 Brian Gleeson, 7 Jack O’Donoghue (captain), 6 Seán Edogbo, 5 Fineen Wycherley, 4 Ewan O’Connell, 3 Kieran Brookes, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 1 Josh Wycherley.
Replacements: 16 Lee Barron, 17 Jeremy Loughman, 18 Michael Ala’alatoa, 19 Edwin Edogbo, 20 Gavin Coombes, 21 Jake O’Riordan, 22 Charlie O’Shea, 23 Alex Kendellen.

Sharks: 15 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 12 Ethan Hooker, 11 Jaco Williams, 10 Gianni Lombard, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Nick Hatton (captain), 7 Manu Tshituka, 6 Matt Romao, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Ethan Bester, 1 Ox Nche
Replacements: 16 Esethu Mnebelele, 17 Cameron Dawson, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Stephan Lewies, 20 Vincent Tshituka, 21 Ivan van Zyl, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Litelihle Bester

Munster v Sharks
Date: Saturday, 31 October 2026
Venue: Thomond Park, Limerick
SA Time: 19:30
Referee: Ben Connor
TV: SuperSport