Sharks maintain winning momentum
A determined, and much improved, second-half performance saw the Sharks overturn a nine point half-time deficit and leave the Cape with a hard-fought 28-20 victory over Western Province.
The result of the match had no impact on either side's log position but it enabled the Durban-based side to head into their semifinal clash against the Lions off the back of a four-match winning streak.
Sharks coach, Brad Macleod-Henderson was happy with the character shown by his team in the second-half, which resulted in them outscoring the home side 17-0.
"The first-half, bar the first five minutes, was all WP. We were under the cosh at half-time but it was very pleasing to see the character showed by the team.
To come out in the second-half, get on top of the game and turn a fairly large half-time deficit into quite an easy victory, shows great character," he said.
Macleod-Henderson was aware the fairly inexperienced Province would pose a threat to his charges, and after a lacklustre first-half, was pleased with the improved performance which provided valuable momentum heading into the play-off stage of the competition.
"We take momentum away from the game and are happy that we managed to beat WP, which keeps us on quite a nice run at the moment. We looked dangerous in stages which we will take through into the new week.
"Going to Johannesburg, to play a Lions team who had a convincing win over the Cheetahs, is going to be a challenge but we are happy with the performance we put in.
"The Lions are a quality outfit. We played them two weeks ago but it's going to be different challenge this time. Warren Whiteley is back for them, so he will definitely provide more leadership and guidance for them," he added.
The Sharks were guaranteed third position on the log before kick-off, after the Lions thrashed the hapless Cheetahs 47-7, and will now see them heading North to face the Johannesburg-based side.
By: Tauriq Ebrahim
