Sharks put down pre-season marker
MATCH REPORT: The Sharks made a strong statement when they edged French club Bordeaux 19-17 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
It was the final pre-season outing for both teams – the Sharks starting their Currie Cup campaign next week and the French team heading into the Top 14 campaign.
Both sides had to deal with the wet and windy conditions on offer, but it was the hosts who came away with the victory in the end.
The Sharks made better use if the wind in the first half and in the end outscored their opponents by three tries to two.
The Sharks get their Currie Cup season underway when they host the Blue Bulls at Kings Park next weekend.
Bordeaux-Bègles host Pau in the opening round of the Top 14 next week.
The Scorers:
For the Sharks:
Tries: Ward, Fassi, Williams
Cons: R du Preez 2
For Bordeaux:
Tries: Conner, Seuteni
Cons: Cazeaux 2
Pen: Jalibert
Teams:
Sharks: 15 Courtney Winnaar, 14 Jacobus van Wyk, 13 Jeremy Ward, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Aphelele Fassi, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Louis Schreuder, 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Tyler Paul, 6 Wian Vosloo, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Gideon Koegelenberg, 3 John-Hubert Meyer, 2 Mahlatse Ralepelle (captain), 1 Juan Schoeman.
Replacements – from: Kerron van Vuuren, Armand van der Merwe, Mzamo Majola, Khuta Mchunu, Andrew Evans, Lubabalo Mtembu, Luke Stringer, Cameron Wright, Grant Williams, Danrich Visagie, Leolin Zas.
Union Bordeaux Bègles:
Referee: Andrew Brace
Assistant referees: Vusi Msibi, Blake Beattie
TMO: Simon McDowell
