Massive Win for Sharks | News | SharksRugby
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Agonising because there was a referral to the TMO before the final whistle where The Sharks risked losing the game if there was any evidence of foul play, but fortunately there was none and a massive win, given the context of the game, was The Sharks, which sends them to the top of the log for the time being.
With the treacherous conditions underfoot and the rain coming and going during the match, it was never going to be a pretty game, but more along the lines of trench warfare, with close-quarter attack and forward-dominated play, especially from the visitors who used their trademark driving and pick and go to good, but unrewarding effect.
The Sharks certainly looked to run the ball when the opportunities presented themselves and had some good early chances which they could not convert. Such was the nature of the game that this was to be a recurring theme throughout.
With driving mauls, massive hits and plenty of kicking, the game was never going to be the type of open running rugby we expect on a dry pitch and the tactics suited the conditions and the two teams’ individual strengths.
There was very little in the game to separate the two teams, although true to form, it would be a drop-goal from the home side that would get the scoreboard going. Few opportunities presented themselves before The Sharks stole a lineout, sent the ball upfield and Paul Jordaan managed to rip the ball from the defender and sprint 40m untouched to score the only try of the half.
A further two penalties from the boot of Louis Fouchè took his team into the lead as they managed to go into the half-time break 9-5 ahead with the rain continuing to fall heavily.
The Sharks doubled their score when Cobus Reinach showed a clean pair of heels to the defences and despite being caught, he managed to offload to a speeding Keegan Daniel who did the hand-off thing to perfection before carrying a player over the tryline with him.
The third quarter belonged to The Sharks – at least on the scoreboard – as Meyer Bosman also kicked a penalty to give his team a marginal lead in a period where high balls, mostly by the Bulls, dominated proceedings as they searched for the mistakes which The Sharks simply wouldn’t make, Louis Ludik and Odwa Ndungane in particular proving heroically safe for their side.
The aerial ping-pong didn’t add much in the way of spectator excitement, but it was a game where winning ugly was clearly the route to victory where it would be punishable mistakes that would make the difference between winning and losing.
This was a game that went down to the wire, a point between the teams which meant either could score. But The Sharks held out under immense pressure, showing great character to cling on for the win.
Sharks captain Keegan Daniel said afterwards, “It was ding-dong, physical battle and we’re just happy to come away with a win. It came down to taking opportunities although we did let ourselves down with our discipline allowing them back into the game. We showed a lot of character there, hats off to the boys for managing to close that game out which ultimately you need to do when games are that close.”
Dewald Potgieter, the Blue Bulls captain said: “We played the game the right way, especially in these weather conditions, we created some opportunities but lost the ball at crucial times. Congratulations to The Sharks for closing out the game. Tactically we did quite a good job, hats off to The Sharks, they’re a quality team.”
Absa Man of the Match: Cobus Reinach
Scorers:
The Sharks: 13 (5)
Tries: Paul Jordaan, Keegan Daniel
Penalties: Meyer Bosman (1)
Blue Bulls: 12 (9)
Penalties: Louis Fouchè (3)
Drop-Goal: Louis Fouchè (1)
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