Harlequins lose Champions Cup opener as Sharks bite in Durban

ON THE BURST: Ox Nche of the Cell C Sharks. Pic: INPHO/Steve Haag Sports/Steve Haag

Harlequins opened their Heineken Champions Cup campaign with a 39-31 defeat by Sharks in a thrilling encounter on their first trip to South Africa.

The London side did manage to secure a vital bonus point for scoring four tries, but a late rally saw 14-man Sharks score a fifth try and record two vital bonus points as they took the spoils in Durban.