Players Ratings: Costly mistake

OPINION: For the Sharks, it was a chance to right the wrongs in what was their second encounter against the British and Irish Lions in three days.

And they certainly did.

The Sharks produced an incredible display as they went toe-to-toe with the visitors.

However, a second-half red card for Jaden Hendrikse proved costly as the visitors secured their second successive victory, while Sharks were unable to capitalise on a dominant first-half showing.

The Sharks had to settle for a 31-71 defeat to British and Irish Lions

Leezil Hendricks rates the Sharks players 

15 Anthony Volmink
It was a positive outing for the fullback. He scored a brace of tries in the first half and was constantly looking for work. Unfortunately, he struggled in defence.
7/10

14 Marnus Potgieter
He marked his man really well and kept Anthony Watson on the backfoot for the vast majority of the match. On attack, he was valuable and you certainly can’t fault his effort.
6/10

13 Werner Kok
Moving from wing to midfield, the former Blitzbok’s work rate was incredible. His big hit on Elliot Daly in the opening minute of the match set the tone. He played with pure intensity and made a couple of good tackles. He also set up the team’s first try.
8/10

12 Murray Koster
The midfielder made a few runs. However, his defence was the valuable attribute – making all his tackles.
7/10

11 Thaakir Abrahams
The wing was outclassed on defence and struggled under the high-ball. As usual, his attacking game was his best contribution and he showed some amazing pace in his try.
6/10

10 Lionel Cronje
While it wasn’t flawless from the 32-year-old, his experience proved to be valuable to his side. He read the game well and his lethal grubber also set up Thaakir Abrahams for the Sharks’ second try. Certainly staked his claim for the Sharks No.10 jersey.
7/10

9 Jaden Hendrikse
It was a very erratic performance from the scrumhalf. The 21-year-old set up a try and scored an intercept try.  However, his slow ball from the base continues to put his team under pressure while his red card for an elbow shot diminished all his hard work.
4/10

8 Phepsi Buthelezi (captain)
The captain backed up Wednesday’s performance with another noteworthy display – making strong carries and a couple of metres. He was also good under the high ball.
7/10

7 Mpilo Gumede
The flank showed great intent from the kick-off and he put in a couple of big hits before he had to leave in the 49th minute.
5/10

6 Dylan Richardson
The flank was a machine. He delivered a very physical performance, carried the ball really well and was tireless in defence (making 25 tackles). Certainly a very fine performance and one of the best in the Sharks jersey.
9/10

5 Reniel Hugo
He was very industrious. The hard-working lock challenged the line-outs. His charge down on Connor Murray’s kick set up the Sharks’ fifth try.
7/10

4 Le Roux Roets,
Not spectacular. He made 11 tackles and was replaced after 49 minutes of play.
5/10

3 Wiehahn Herbst
Conceded a couple of scrum penalties, but he did the basics right.
5/10

2 Kerron van Vuuren
It was a physical performance from the hooker. His tackle rate reached double figures – making 15 tackles. He managed to find his jumper in the line-outs on a couple of occasions
6/10

1 Ntuthuko Mchunu
It was a very quiet display by the prop. He stood his ground in the scrums but missed a couple of tackles.
4/10

Replacements

16 Dan Jooste
By the time he arrived on the field, the game was long over as a contest.

17 MJ Majola
His introduction did not make any difference – he made three tackles.
3/10

18 Khutha Mchunu
Not used

19 Thembelani Bholi
Entered the field in the 59th minute and made three tackles. Not much of an impact
3/10

20 Jeandre Labuschagne
Added some muscle when he entered the game. Made eight tackles which included a crucial one inside his own five metre.
5/10

21 Cameron Wright
Entering the game following Hendrikse’s red card was always going to be a difficult task. The scrumhalf was brave as he made a couple of good passes. However, he missed a couple of tackles and failed to make an impact.
4/10

22 Boeta Chamberlain
Added some energy, making a couple of metres. However, he also entered a losing battle.
4/10

23 Jeremy Ward
Not used

24 Lourens Adriaanse
Not long enough on the field to make any real impact.

25 Rynhardt Jonker
Not long enough on the field to make any real impact.

26 Curwin Bosch
Not used