Live Reporting

Fraser Watson

  1. Farwell from the Arms Park

    FT: Cardiff 21-36 Sharks

    So Cardiff's undefeated home record in 2026 is gone and in truth, they can have few complaints.

    The Blue and Blacks looked threatening with the ball they did have and scored three tries, including that brilliant team score rounded off by Josh Adams.

    They also showed real resilience to keep Sharks out at times but you simply can't give away so much possession and territory to a top South African side and expect victory.

    The visitors were everything we expected them to be. Physical, powerful, and eventually, clinical. JP Pietersen would have been ruing his side's failure to take chances during the opening 40 minutes but in the latter stages, when the game was in the balance, Sharks were ruthless.

    But Corniel van Zyl won't allow his players to be dwelling on this for long. Next week it is Ospreys away and a trip to St Helen's.

    To say it is going to be an intense Welsh derby with high feelings would be a ludicrous understatement.

    Thank you for following.

    Zekhethelo Siyaya of Hollywoodbets Sharks takes on Cam Winnett of CardiffHuw Evans Picture Agency

  2. Next up for Cardiff

    FT: Cardiff 21-36 Sharks

    Cardiff don't have long to dwell. Next Saturday they are down in St Helen's for what is sure to be an emotionally charged night against Ospreys.

    As for Sharks, they remain in Europe and go to Munster on the same day.

  3. Full-time: Cardiff 21-36 Sharks

    For a spell in that second half a famous home comeback looked on the cards as Cardiff turned around a 17-7 half-time deficit to lead.

    But from there on in, it was all Sharks. Cardiff's proud unbeaten home run is 2026 over and the South African side go second in the table - until tomorrow at least.

    Matt RomaoHuw Evans Picture Agency

    Matt Romao scored two tries in Sharks' win over Cardiff

  4. try

    Try: Cardiff 21-36 Sharks

    Matt Romao

    Two tries for the flanker, and five points for the visitors.

    Cardiff desperately attack from the deep in the final minutes but the ball goes to ground, leaving Matt Romao with the simple task of picking up a loose ball and strolling over.

  5. try

    Converted try: Cardiff 21-31 Sharks

    Ethan Bester (Con: Siya Masuku)

    It was coming. Another lineout drive and this time there is no stopping the Sharks as replacement hooker Ethan Bester the does honours over the line.

    Jaco Williams converts and although the game now looks lost for Cardiff, they still have time to earn two losing bonus points here.

  6. Cardiff 21-24 Sharks

    Sharks think they have scored - but referee says held up!

    Great work by James Botham and Jarrod Evans to get under the ball there and somehow, Cardiff are still bang in this.

  7. Cardiff 21-24 Sharks

    Cardiff's defensive scrum but they are shunted back and Sharks have a penalty.

    They're running it....

  8. Cardiff 21-24 Sharks

    Suddenly, Sharks all over Cardiff. Reminds me of the animal itself when it found the boat in that famous film Jaws.

    A driving lineout yields a penalty as Cardiff halt matters illegally. The second throw goes astray though and that is a wasted chance to put daylight between the sides.

  9. try

    Converted try: Cardiff 21-24 Sharks

    Thomas Du Toit (Con: Gianni Lombard)

    Cometh the moment, cometh the Springbok.

    Moments after going ahead, Cardiff are the architects of their own downfall as a pass goes loose and Ivan van Zyl pounces to surge forward.

    Frenzied Sharks pressure follows before South Africa prop Thomas du Toit crashes over and Lombard converts.

    I guess that is what you call impact from the bench.

    Sharks score tryHuw Evans Picture Agency
  10. try

    Converted try: Cardiff 21-17 Sharks

    James Botham (Con: Jarrod Evans)

    James Botham strikes again!

    The kick of Jarrod Evans does not go to waste. The maul is fast moving and Botham latches on before touching down for his second score.

    Or has he? There were some handbags after the try and the officials are checking something.

    Ah, all fine. Try is good, captains warned over said handbags, and Evans executes a brilliant conversion.

    James Botham celebrates tryHuw Evans Picture Agency

  11. Cardiff 14-17 Sharks

    Referee calls 'hands away', away number eight Nick Hatton blatantly ignores him - and Jarrod Evans puts the resultant penalty right in the corner.

    Here we go...

  12. Cardiff 14-17 Sharks

    Edwill van der Merwe has been superb under the high ball tonight and he takes another one to set-up a Sharks attack.

    But that is brought to a halt as Johan Mulder wins a defensive penalty. Cardiff back in possession and playing with far more purpose now.

  13. Cardiff 14-17 Sharks

    Incidentally, Cardiff lost full-back Cam Winnett to injury on the stroke of half-time, replaced by Tom Bowen.

    Cam Winnett down injuredHuw Evans Picture Agency

  14. Cardiff 14-17 Sharks

    While we have a brief break in play, a nice family tale from tonight. Manu Tshituka started at flanker for Sharks, ahead of brother Vincent who was named on the bench.

    However, Vincent is the one with a solitary South African cap to his name after playing against Italy in the summer. Both siblings were born in Congo and are popular figures at the Sharks.

  15. try

    Converted try: Cardiff 14-17 Sharks

    James Botham (Con: Jarrod Evans)

    Game on!

    Cardiff opt to run the penalty and after a series of pick and go's, James Botham is the man to force his way over. Talk about playing the conditions.

    Jarrod Evans converts and the home side are right back in this.

  16. Disallowed try

    Cardiff 7-17 Sharks

    Ohhhhh so close.

    Taine Basham picks up and drives for the line. Replacement prop Danny Southworth does similar but knocks on before the ball is grounded.

    No try but another Cardiff penalty.

  17. Cardiff 7-17 Sharks

    Lovely chip ahead from Jarrod Evans and Le Roux Malan is haring after it - but as the ball rolls on Sharks winger Edwill van der Merwe covers before being forced back over his own line.

    Scrum Cardiff and a big chance.

  18. Kick-off

    Cardiff 7-17 Sharks

    Jarrod Evans restarts us and away we go again at the Arms Park.

  19. HT: Cardiff 7-17 Sharks

    Right as the players come out, get involved you lot - honest opinions.

    Cardiff to come back and preserve their unbeaten home record in 2026? Thumbs up.

    Sharks to press home their advantage from here? Thumbs down.

  20. Cardiff starved of the ball

    HT: Cardiff 7-17 Sharks

    Chris Kirwan
    BBC Sport Wales

    Cardiff are 10 points down but it could have been much worse after being starved of the ball.

    Sharks are the dominant force, despite the best efforts of the impressive James Botham.

    Cardiff will be right back in it if they can strike first in the second half and they will have the wind in their favour.

    Can they stretch Sharks a bit more and get their back three into the game?