Sharks Edge Saracens 28-23 in Champions Cup Pool 1 Match in Durban
In a tightly contested Champions Cup Pool 1 match at Kings Park in Durban, the Sharks defeated Saracens 28-23 on December 13, 2025. The Sharks scored four tries compared to Saracens' three, despite challenging windy and slippery conditions with crosswinds from the Indian Ocean that affected handling and kicking.
Saracens made 10 changes to their lineup, while the Sharks made 14 changes including appointing JP Pietersen as head coach after John Plumtree resigned following a heavy defeat to Toulouse. The Sharks scored through Siya Kolisi (4'), Aphelele Fassi (37'), Edwill van der Merwe (40'), and Williams (59'), with Whitehead converting all four tries. Saracens' tries were scored by Theo Dan (15'), Sam Spink (26'), and Tom Willis (66'), with Burke kicking three conversions.
Discipline moments included Theo Dan being booked for a high tackle on Makazole Mapimpi late in the third quarter and a yellow card for Sharks' Hatton in the 80th minute. The result keeps Pool 1 standings tight; Saracens will host Toulouse in January, while Sharks travel to Sale in Manchester, with Sale level on six points with Saracens.
