Despite being hit by illness in the build-up to the game, the Ospreys put in a good shift against the Cell C Sharks but were unable to come away with the win in Durban.
The match began as a close one, with a majority of the first five minutes being played in the middle third. The Cell C Sharks were the first team to enjoy a spell inside an opposition half but some great work at the breakdown won the Ospreys a scrum.
In the next phase, the Cell C Sharks were able to strike first on the scoreboard after a penalty for holding on was converted into 3 points by Curwin Bosch. Not long after Bosch was given another opportunity to kick for the sticks and was able to put the ball over. 6-0.
Despite playing some great rugby in this one, Ospreys were slowly putting themselves on the wrong side of the penalty count.
Keelan Giles, one of the leading line breakers in the league, was able to break through superbly well on the left wing for what looked to be a certain try but was stopped by a Shark close to the line. The South African outfit were able to win another penalty in the breakdown in the following phases.
As half-time approached, the Cell-C sharks were enjoying a prolonged spell in the Ospreys 22 but some elite defensive work from the boys forced several Sharks errors, and a resulting penalty allowed the Ospreys to close the half.
Tight game here.
HALFTIME - SHARKS 6, OSPREYS 0.
The Ospreys came out soaring in the second half.
A great break down the left by the pack, assisted by Keelan, was stopped metres short of the line. Some solid carrying from the forwards opened up the cross-field kick option for Jack Walsh, which was caught and finished by Luke Morgan. Walsh was unable to convert in the windy conditions, 6-5 Cell C Sharks.
The wind began to really pick up in the second half, spiraling in the stadium, affecting passes and kicks alike for both teams.
The Sharks were able to bite back shortly after the Ospreys score, some powerful phases of carrying from their forwards eventually opened up the try for Sikhumbuzo Notshe. Sharks unable to convert, 11-5.
Despite some tired faces, the game was growing evermore physical in the second half.
Ospreys were next to strike, after quick spell in the Sharks' 22 resulted in a strong carry from Morgan Morris. Walsh unable to convert, Sharks still with an 11-10 lead.
The game stayed close until the last eight minutes, but the Cell C Sharks were able to come away with it in the end.
A pickup from the ruck allowed Curwin Bosch to score in the last ten minutes, which was quickly followed by another Sharks try for James Venter. Both tries converted.
FULL TIME - SHARKS 25-10