South African URC side the Hollywoodbets Sharks got a much needed win as they downed Ulster 22 – 12 in Durban.
Just the second league win of the year for the Springbok laden Sharks, the four points takes the Sharks above both Zebre and the Dragons on the table.
Still 20 points behind the 8th and final play-off space, the Sharks will be looking to use the remained of the season as an opportunity to build for next season.
For Ulster the loss could prove costly as Munster, The Stormers and Edinburgh all leapfrogged them on the table with the Lions, Connacht, Benetton and Ospreys now all within striking distance of over taking them.
Interestingly a losing bonus point would have kept Ulster ahead of Edinburgh in 6th on the table and as such a TMO incident that put the Sharks in front has caused a major stir online.
Pouncing on a clever kick forward winger Eduan Keyter nudged the hosts in front early in the second half.
Seeming to ground the ball with his stomach, Keyter’s finish caused a lengthy dialogue between referee Ben Whitehouse and Colin Brett.
Whilst the grounding was unusual it did meet the threshold for Law 21.1: The ball can be grounded in in-goal: a. By holding it and touching the ground with it; or b. By pressing down on it with a hand or hands, arm or arms, or the front of the player’s body from waist to neck.
What proved more contentious however was what appeared to be a knock-on from Keyter.
Playing the clip multiple times, Whitehouse adjudged that the ball was not knocked on despite the ball seemingly going through the player’s hands.
He grounds it with his stomach, so it’s a try
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