Munster were put under pressure by a dominant Sharks side, struggling to gain momentum and conceding multiple tries. The hosts ran in seven scores to secure a comprehensive 45–0 victory in Durban. 

Munster felt early pressure early from the Sharks with their physicality forcing errors, Phepsi Buthelezi getting over from the maul for the first score of the game after 8 minutes. Hendrikse converted allowing the hosts an early lead, 7-0. 

The majority of the first quarter was played in Munster’s half, the visitors struggled to get a hold on the game giving away four penalties in a 15-minute period.  

There was some good play from Munster, John Hodnett stealing the ball from the ruck, but handling errors ended the attack, as well as some excellent defence from Michael Ala-alatoa putting in a crunching tackle to force a knock-on.  

Sharks got their second try through full-back Luan Giliomee on his debut. They won two penalty advantages during the build up, before Andre Esterhuizen got close with a hard carry. Yaw Penxe threw a superb offload near the touchline, and as Giliomee pounced. Hendrikse missed the conversion, 12-0. 

Munster’s first real opportunity came at 31 minutes as they built phases to come within 2m of the try line. Alex Nankivell and Gavin Coombes made headway, but they were unable to convert the opportunity. 

Sharks struck at the 50-minute mark as loosehead prop Phatu Ganyane pushed through several Munster defenders for their third try. Hendrikse slotted the ball through the uprights to extend the home side’s lead by seven points, 19-0. 

The Durban natives’ bonus point try was scored by Emile Van Heerden seven minutes later, Hendrikse was good with the conversion.  

A fifth try was scored by Le Roux Malan despite a last tackle attempt by Dan Kelly, with the TMO confirming it had been grounded.  

Makazole Mapimpi scored two tries just minutes later, with the second with the clock went into the red. Jean Smith converting the first but missed the second. Final score 45-0. 

Round 13 Round up 

JJ Hanrahan captained Munster for the first time on his 155th appearance. 

Munster Rugby:  Mike Haley (Dan Kelly 57’); Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Shane Daly; JJ Hanrahan (C), Ethan Coughlan (Paddy Patterson 52’); Michael Milne (Josh Wycherley 52’), Diarmuid Barron (Lee Barron 52’), Michael Ala’alatoa (John Ryan 52); Jean Kleyn (Edwin Edogbo 52’), Tom Ahern (Brian Gleeson 68’); Seán Edogbo (Fineen Wycherley 52’), John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes. 

Replacements: Lee Barron, Josh Wycherley, John Ryan, Edwin Edogbo, Fineen Wycherley, Paddy Patterson, Dan Kelly, Brian Gleeson.