Sharks set sight on wounded WP

REACTION: The Sharks will waste no time dwelling on their Currie Cup defeat to the Lions.

The Sharks suffered a 32-38 loss to the Lions on Saturday at Kings Park in Durban.

The hosts took a 22-14 lead at the break courtesy of tries from Thembelani Bhili and a brace from debutant Jason Alexanders, while Joaquin Bonilla added two conversions and a penalty.

However, the second half belonged to the Lions. The Gauteng side laden with United Rugby Championship players was simply too much for the Sharks team.

Speaking after the match Sharks coach Etienne Fynn praised his team for their effort.

“You certainly can’t fault for the players’ effort,” Fynn said.

“There were moments in the game where we should have capitalised on and we let them [the Lions] off the hook.

“There were also moments where we could have turned the game around, so players really deserve credit.

“Having five debutants is a stressful thing; but, what it does bring is a sense of excitement, energy and passion.

” Fantastic opportunity for them and great for the team.”

#ICYMI: @LionsRugbyCo end their @TheCurrieCup
season on a high, beating @SharksRugby at Kings Park @TheCurrieCup
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— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) June 5, 2022

The Sharks were trailing 29-38 in the 72nd minute and managed to salvage two losing bonus points thanks to a late penalty Bonilla.

The result means the Sharks are still very much in contention for the Currie Cup play-off spots.

They travel to Cape Town to take on Western Province on Friday, June 10.

“To get two losing bonus points against a  Lions ‘URC’  team is amazing.

“It was not a faultless performance, it was certainly a committed one.

“Think now it is everything to play for next week when we face Western Province.”

He added: “All the technical preparation for the match against WP is completed and it is now about consolidating it and making sure the players are on board.”

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