Cardiff Faces Injury Woes in 21-15 Loss to Sharks as Playoff Pressure Mounts

Cardiff Faces Injury Woes in 21-15 Loss to Sharks as Playoff Pressure Mounts

Legendary Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau suffered more injury misfortune as Cardiff's United Rugby Championship (URC) play-off anxiety grew with a defeat by Sharks in Durban. The pressure is building on the fifth-placed Blue and Blacks, but they did earn a critical consolation bonus point in humid conditions. Cardiff, who had won their previous two trips to Kings Park, trailed 21-12 at half-time despite a pair of tries by Wales wing Mason Grady. They tenaciously stayed in the contest and secured their losing bonus point when Ioan Lloyd kicked a penalty with seven minutes to go. This came after Faletau was helped from the field early in the second half with his right arm in a makeshift sling, marking another setback in his injury-hit campaign. The 35-year-old, on his first start of 2026 and just his seventh appearance of the season, looks set for another lay-off. Cardiff also lost influential lock Josh McNally and loose-head prop Corey Domachowski in the first half, adding to their woes. The teams traded converted tries in the opening quarter: Phepsi Buthelezi opened the scoring for Sharks with a driving line-out. Cardiff responded with a try from Grady after a quick tap. After a yellow card for Sharks fly-half Jordan Hendrikse, Grady added another try, finishing powerfully from Ben Thomas' kick-pass. Despite trailing at the break, Cardiff suffered another blow with the loss of Faletau early in the second half. However, they made it 21-15 through Lloyd’s boot, keeping Sharks scoreless in the second half and denying them a fourth try. Cardiff faces crucial derbies against Scarlets and Ospreys when the URC resumes after a break for knockout European rugby.

Source: BBC Sport - 2026-03-27