More 'big lessons learnt' for Bok-laden Sharks

REACTION: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt was determined to focus on the positives after his team's defeat to Ulster in Belfast on Friday.

The team from Durban suffered a 21-24 loss at Ravenhill Stadium, which virtually crushed their hopes of a top-four finish.

The Sharks are currently fourth with 57 points, which is one point ahead of Munster and the Stormers.

Munster are up against an understrength Leinster side in Dublin on Saturday, while the Stormers face Scarlets in Llanelli.

With all their stars, the Sharks once again failed to play to their potential.

They were outplayed for large periods of the game, but they did manage to score a couple of late tries which gave them a losing bonus point.

"We are very disappointed with the loss," said Everitt. The boys prepared really well for the game and there was a lot of energy on the field.

"They played their hearts out and they left nothing out there and the way they fought back at the end obviously justifies my comments."

He added: "It wasn’t a great start for us.

"Defensively, at times, we weren't sharp enough and we allowed them to get over the line on two occasions and it was tries that they didn’t really have to work for.

"But in saying that we had our opportunities.

"We played some really good rugby and we put ourselves in good positions on the field.

"Unfortunately, we lost the breakdown battle. Ulster put a lot of pressure on us at the breakdown and they defended really well."

'It got away from us'

Everitt had plenty of praise for his bench players, who came on in the second half and helped bring some respectability to the scoreline.

"It was a different story in the second half," he said.

"The guys played well. We got good territory and good field position.

"We held onto the ball and got some really good reward from some good rugby.

"It was probably some of the best rugby we played with ball in hand.

"Credit must go to our bench, who came on and made a huge impact and that is exactly what we needed.

"Ulster are a big and physical team, which is what we expected and we needed our full complement to get over the line."

The Sharks boss said the encounter is a learning experience for his side ahead of the play-offs.

"I think it is a game that probably got away from us. Big lessons were learnt tonight [Friday].

"It's our first time at Ravenhill. It's not an easy ground to play at in front of the home supporters.

"I am very proud of the guys and the courage that they have shown and the way they played this evening."

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