Double blow for Bulls as Sharks turn on the heat
MATCH REPORT: The Sharks have dealt the Bulls another crushing blow by beating them 41-27 in the Currie Cup at Loftus on Saturday.
The Sharks remain in third spot on the log with this win while the Bulls are still just hanging onto the second last position.
It was the Sharks’ pack that laid the foundation for the win, mauling the Bulls into eternity.
The half-time score of 22-13 were compiled of three tries to the Sharks, two by Dan Jooste. This was due to a yellow card to Jan-Hendrik Wessels in the 17th minute, reducing the Bulls to 14 men.
They were not able to withstand the onslaught of the Sharks, who capitalised on the numerical advantage and scored two tries while the Bulls had 14 men on the field.
The second half saw the Sharks continue where they left off in the first half, despite their flyhalf Lionel Cronje getting his marching orders for foul play just in the 41st minute.
The rest of the second consisted of the Sharks mauling the Bulls all over the park, resulting in a try by replacement hooker Dameon Venter.
Credit to the Bulls for never giving up and fighting to the end. They were rewarded by two quick tries, by Eugene Hare and Izak Burger late in the half, but the fightback was not enough.
The Sharks capped off an impressive performance with a try by Mpilo Gumede to cement their spot in the top four.
The scorers:
For the Bulls:
Tries: Mostert, Hare, Burger
Cons: Steyn 3
Pens: Steyn 2
For the Sharks:
Tries: Jooste 2, Mona, Koster, Venter
Cons: Cronje 4, Zeilinga
Pens: Cronje
Yellow cards: Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Bulls, 17’ for foul play)
Bulls: 15 Juan Mostert, 14 Kabelo Mokoena, 13 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 12 Chris Barend Smit, 11 Sibusiso Nkosi, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Izak Burger, 8 WJ Steenkamp, 7 Reinhardt Ludwig (captain), 6 Phumzile Maqondwana, 5 Charlie Ewels, 4 Jacques du Plessis, 3 Robert Hunt, 2 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 1 Jacques van Rooyen.
Replacements: 16 Lizo Gqoboka, 17 Joe van Zyl, 18 Sebastian Lombard, 19 Merwe Olivier, 20 Mihlali Mosi, 21 Eugene Hare, 22 Cornal Hendricks, 23 Franco Knoetze.
Sharks: 15 Thaakir Abrahams, 14 Phikolomzi Sobahle, 13 Murray Koster, 12 Alwayno Visagie, 11 Yaw Penxe, 10 Lionel Cronje, 9 Tiaan Fourie, 8 Henco Venter, 7 Thembelani Bholi, 6 Tinotenda Mavesere, 5 Reniel Hugo (captain), 4 Ockie Barnard, 3 Khutha Mchunu, 2 Dan Jooste, 1 Khwezi Mona.
Replacements: 16 Dameon Venter, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Wiehahn Herbst, 19 Marco de Witt, 20 Damon Royle, 21 Mpilo Gumede, 22 Zee Mkhabela, 23 Fred Zeilinga.
Referee: Cwengile Jadezweni
Assistant referees: Local appointments
TMO: Egon Seconds
