Player ratings: Schooled by men in red

OPINION: The Sharks would have learned one very valuable lesson – they are way off the pace they need to be if they hope to compete internationally.

Admittedly this was a ‘second-string side for the Sharks – given the number of players in the Springbok squad and other challenges.

However, the 54-7 win by the B&I Lions showed just how thin South Africa’s domestic debt has become.

The tourists’ biggest concern is that they may be undercooked and untested going into the Test series.

Jan de Koning rates the Sharks players!

15 Manie Libbok
He was over-eager and despite his enthusiasm was exposed on defence. He had five carries and made no metres – with the official statistics suggesting he had minus two metres.
4/10

14 Werner Kok
Had a few decent runs and was willing to have a go. However, he also threw a shocker of a pass with an open tryline and conceded a turnover. Then there was his yellow card for cynical foul, You can’t fault his effort and he really got involved.
5/10

13 Jeremy Ward
Tried to create some go-forward for his team and had one decent run, but kept running into a red brick wall. Made most of his tackles – missed just two – and won a turnover.
6/10

12 Marius Louw
He was his team’s main backline carrier and despite his hands letting him down far too often, he managed 34 metres from 13 carries. His options were very poor and he also missed as many tackles as he made.
4/10

11 Thaakir Abrahams
Showed his willingness to get involved and made good ground with limited opportunities. Defence, however, is not his strong suit and his lack of experience showed.
6/10

10 Curwin Bosch
He was found out on defence far too often and gave a good impression of a turnstile. He also sat very deep and with the slow ball, his options were limited. His kicking out of hand was also a problem.
3/10

9 Jaden Hendrikse
His slow service – with a two-step and loopy passes – put his flat-footed backs under even more pressure. He missed almost as many tackles as he made.
4/10

8 Phepsi Buthelezi (captain)
You can’t fault his effort, but his carries were not always very effective – with 18 carries registered as minus six metres. He made all his tackles and won a turnover.
5/10

7 Thembelani Bholi
The other big ball-carrier for the Sharks – with 13 carries yielding minus five metres. He often carried the ball upright into contact and either lost ground or possession. Made most of his tackles and missed just one.
5/10

6 James Venter
His workrate was impressive, especially on defence – making 10 good tackles. He did miss a few tackles, but there was determination and desire. Was good value for his team’s opening try and his team’s most productive player.
7/10

5 Hyron Andrews
Left the field with an injury after just eight minutes.

4 Ruben van Heerden
He made a handful of tackles, but his workrate left a lot to be desired. He also didn’t bring much of the physicality his team needed and conceded penalties.
4/10

3 Khutha Mchunu
It was a very erratic performance – winning and conceding scrum penalties. Made a handful of tackles. He subbed early in the second half.
4/10

2 Fez Mbatha
He had a nervous start and struggled to find his jumper at times. Had one carry and was tackled back. Made two and missed three tackles. His work outside the set pieces was minimal.
4/10

1 Khwezi Mona
Like the rest of the front row he was under pressure in the scrums. Had a couple of willing carries, without making much ground. Was also replaced early in the second half.
4/10

Replacements:

16 Kerron van Vuuren
Brought a bit more energy and made two tackles without missing any. However, also ran into a red brick wall and made no metres in his five carries.
5/10

17 Ntuthuko Mchunu
His cameo produced very little that was effective – two carries for no metres and one tackle.
3/10

18 Wiehahn Herbst
Another who made no impact off the bench – made one tackle, missed one tackle and three ineffective carries.
3/10

19 JJ van der Mescht
Brought a bit more muscle into the game, but not enough time to make a real impact.

20 Reniel Hugo
On for Andrews after eight minutes and was good value in the line-outs – providing a reliable source of possession. His workrate was impressive and should have started.
6/10

21 Dylan Richardson
Brought the energy most of the Sharks forwards lacked in the first hour. Missed just one tackle and was one of the few players that did not look out of his depth.
6/10

22 Grant Williams
Managed a few solid carries and looked to get involved in his cameo.
5/10

23 Anthony Volmink
Showed his value with the ball in hand – his four carries yielding 50 metres. Unfortunately missed the only tackle he was required to make.
5/10

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