The province head over to South Africa in strong form, after two bonus-point victories against Dragons and Vodacom Bulls to kick off the new campaign.
The Opposition
Back at home ground for the first time this season, the Sharks will be aiming to fight back after a difficult opening three rounds away from home against Glasgow Warriors, Dragons and Leinster.
They gained two points from the three fixtures, with two points coming from a 17-17 draw against Dragons at Rodney Parade, a match played in tough weather conditions due to Storm Amy.
The Sharks look set to welcome some big names back into the fold, with their Springbok internationals such as Ox Nche, Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth in contention to play this weekend following their Rugby Championship winning campaign.
With those inspirational leaders back on the field, John Plumtree's side will be a side full of world-class talent.
Match Details
🤝 Hollywoodbets Sharks v Ulster Rugby<br>
🗓 Saturday 18th October, 3pm
🏟 Hollywoodbets Kings Park <br>
🏆 BKT United Rugby Championship – Round 3<br>
📺 Live on Premier Sports and URC.tv
Fixture Rewind
Ulster recorded a memorable away victory in the Shark Tank back in Feb 2023.
Grant Williams scored an impressive solo try to put the home side 5-0 up early on, before John Cooney reduced the scoreline with a well-taken penalty.
Ulster began to assert themselves and got a try through Tom Stewart, who dived over after a strong lineout maul towards the Sharks tryline, with Cooney striking the conversion for a 5-10 lead. The Sharks then hit back, with current Munster back, Thaakir Abrahams, getting on the end of a cross field kick. Bosch's conversion edged the hosts in front to 12-10.
Keeping with the back and forth pace, Ulster's mighty maul got them a second try, with Stewart grabbing his second try and Cooney once again converting for a scoreline of 12-17.
After the break, Ulster scored a unique try after quick thinking from Stewart Moore, who dived on the ball after Williams had touched it from the ruck. Cooney's conversion stretched Ulster's lead to 12-24.
Sharks loosehead prop, Mchunu, went over from close range to pull back a converted try to leave the scoreline at 19-24 with just over 50 minutes on the clock.
Harry Sheridan then powered his way over in an Ulster attack to secure the bonus-point, with Cooney nailing the conversion.
Sharks full-back, Boeta Chamberlain, then scored a try after a brilliant piece of play from now Ulsterman, Werner Kok, who burst down the field before assisting his teammate.
The away side held on for a brilliant result of 24-31, for a memorable victory in the Shark Tank.
Players to watch
Ethan Hooker
Ethan Hooker is a powerful and dynamic backline player for the Sharks, known for his versatility across centre and wing positions. Standing at 1.94 m with a solid frame, he combines physicality with sharp footwork, making him a threat in both attack and defence.
While naturally a centre, his adaptability has seen him excel on the wing, including earning Springbok honours in 2024. Hooker is widely regarded as one of South African rugby’s rising stars. Last week he showed his reading of the game, intercepting a pass to sprint clear for the Sharks only try v Leinster.
Jaden Hendrikse
25 year-old Jaden Hendrikse is a talented South African scrum-half who has been capped 20 times for the Springboks.
Known for his quick service, sharp decision-making, and composure around the breakdown, Hendrikse made his Rugby World Cup debut in 2023 and continues to grow as a reliable and intelligent playmaker at the highest level.
Uniquely, he plays alongside his younger brother, Jordan Hendrikse, who is a fly-half.
Siya Kolisi
The talisman of the team alongside Eben Eztebeth, flanker, Kolisi, has captained South Africa to two successive Rugby World Cup victories and now back-to-back Rugby Championships following the summer.
With the captain in line for a return to the Sharks side this weekend, Ulster can expect to face a big carrying threat and a huge leader for the Sharks forward pack.