Sharks register a win after losing three in a row
Sharks have ended their consecutive three matches losing streak today after they defeated the Lions at Kings Park.
Sharks last week were defeated by Stormers at Kings Park, which was their third consecutive defeat and were badly in need of win to get their campaign back on track. Sharks have started the season with great promise as they were manage to win the first
four consecutive games coming from their first four games.
However, later they seem to lose their way with the growing numbers of injuries not helping their cause.
Sharks started the game as the favourites to win the game while the last minute bonus point-earning try came as an icing on the cake for Sharks. Sharks with this win have retained their eight spot on the table and are the only South African team to win a
game during the round eight of Super Rugby.
Sharks with their bonus point have edged ahead of Melbourne Rebels (19 points) and a point behind the Bulls who have suffered a huge defeat by the hands of Crusaders who crashed them 27 – 0 earlier today.
For Sharks, there is no Patrick Lambie however their captain John Smit started the game after recovering from the injury. Lions in response to initial Sharks burst at the kick off counter attacked to win their first penalty of the game.
For Lions, it was their Fly Half Elton Jantjies scoring the penalty to put first points on the scoreboard. Sharks who kicked of the game in style were able to establish their control over the ball very early in the game. Sharks
were enjoying better ball possession and were frequent in attacking the Lions half.
Sharks put their first score on board, with their Full Back Louis Ludik who received a pass from Centre Stefan Terblanche to score a try. Later the passage of game was marked by kicking game from both sides that allowed Sharks to win a penalty, which was
missed by their Fly Half, which was the third miss for Sharks.
Sharks extended their lead with JP Pietersen and William Alberts team up to carry the ball over the line to score the second try of the match. This was followed by Sharks Centre Meyer Bosman’s conversion to extend the lead by 9 points. During the last minute
of the first half, Sharks scored their third try as their Winger JP Pietersen held on to the Jacques – Louis Potgieter kick to take the score to 17 – 3 at the end of the first half.
Most of the second half was played with both teams looking to gain the ball possession and territory and created a see saw situation as the ball made frequent trips to both halves. Lions were unable to score any point during the second half however, Sharks
added 10 more points to their total score.
56th minute Jacques – Louis Potgieter’s penalty followed by Scrum Half Charl McLeod’s last minute penalty and Sharks Fly Half’s first conversion of the game ended the match with scorecard reading 27 – 3 in favour of the
Sharks.
Sharks would welcome the win, as they will have a week off during Super XV, as they will enjoy a BYE during round 9. Sharks then will return to action as they take action on the Hurricanes at Durban.
Tags: