Sharks wing Werner Kok to join Ulster next season: United Rugby Championship match report

Sharks wing Werner Kok stole the show with a hat-trick of tries as Ulster-bound Kok inspired his side to a thrilling victory over Scarlets in the United Rugby Championship clash at Parc y Scarlets.

Kok, playing in his 50th appearance for the South African side, opened the scoring with a try before Scarlets responded through Ryan Elias. The back-and-forth affair saw Vincent Koch and Kemsley Mathias trade scores, keeping the game tight.

However, it was Kok who proved to be the difference maker in the second half, latching onto cross-field kicks from player of the match Siya Masuku to secure the bonus point for Sharks. Despite a late try from Ioan Nicholas for Scarlets, the home side fell just short of completing a comeback.

The match showcased the contrasting motivations of the two teams, with Scarlets desperate to salvage something from a disappointing season while Sharks used the game as preparation for their upcoming European Challenge Cup semi-final.

The power of the Sharks pack, led by Springbok stars like Lukhanyo Am and Eben Etzebeth, proved to be the deciding factor as they secured their first away victory in the league in 14 months.

Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel praised his team’s effort and resilience, highlighting their strong defensive performance against a formidable Sharks side. Despite the loss, Peel emphasized the positives from the match and urged his team to maintain their consistency for the remainder of the season.

The thrilling encounter between Scarlets and Sharks showcased the competitive nature of the United Rugby Championship, with Kok’s standout performance leaving a lasting impression as he prepares to join Ulster next season.