Inspired Doak helps Ulster maintain unbeaten start with huge road win over Sharks in Durban

A SWEET ONE: Jack Murphy, left, and Werner Kok of Ulster celebrate after their 34-26 victory over the Hollywoodbets Sharks in the United Rugby Championship match between Sharks and Ulster at Kings Park in Durban, South Africa. Photo by Shaun Roy/Sportsfile

URC: Sharks 26 Ulster 34

Nathan Doak inspired Ulster to a hugely impressive road victory in South Africa to maintain the province's unbeaten start to the new URC season. 

The visitors left a Springbok-laden Sharks side absolutely stunned in Durban with a memorable 34-26 bonus-point victory in round four of this season's campaign.

Doak was in imperious form with the boot, managing the game from the off as Richie Murphy's side got off to a stellar start when both Michael Lowry and ex-Sharks star Werner Kok touched down in the first quarter of a gripping contest.

Captain of  the all-conquering Springboks side Siya Kolisi tried to get the Sharks back into it and was aided by Makazole Mapimpi, as the hosts found scored tries either side of the half-time interval.

The Sharks' indiscipline was to play a big part in their downfall when both Vincent Koch and then Mapimpi saw yellow for lifting tackles on Lowry. Mapimpi's was subsequently upgraded to a 20-minute red card after a bunker review.

Doak's tactical kicking and stewardship of the contest kept Ulster heads above water and tries from Tom Stewart and Callum Reid combined with a final tally of 14 points off the tee for Doak, later named man of the match, were enough to seal an eight-point road victory. 

Next up for Murphy's men is a trip to Johannesburg next Saturday lunchtime to face the Lions before they return home.