Daniel praises Sharks' character
The Sharks held off a late charge from the Brumbies for their first Super Rugby win in Canberra in 14 years on Saturday – a 29-26 triumph.
The Durban-based Sharks clinically took their chances to seize a four-try bonus point and their third win of the season.
A clearly elated Sharks captain, Keegan Daniel admitted that there were visions of last week’s game – when the Waratahs snatched a win from under their noses.
Fortunately, it was not to be this week.
“It was almost déjà vu there from last week,” he said.
“Both teams played great rugby, but I’m very proud of the boys after last week’s heart break. It was tough out there but defending our tryline and turning ball over motivates the boys even more.
“We haven’t had too much success here, so we’re very happy to pull off a win. We’ll rest up and then head off to New Zealand tomorrow [Sunday].”
On three occasions in the final 10 minutes the Brumbies launched more than 10 consecutive phases at the Sharks defence, but could only come up with 10 points.
It was the Brumbies’ first failure of the season at home, but other domestic losses and the bonus point mean they will maintain their top spot in the Australian conference.
Head coach Jake White said his side had enough chances to win the match.
“We feel a bit disappointed, a bit like the Chiefs game, all credit to them, they defended well and turned defence into attack from their own goal line, and I’m not going to make excuses but the reality is we probably let it get away from us a bit,” White said.
“At the end when we realised we could win it, it was too late. The positives are that we didn’t lie down and die. The negatives are that we shouldn’t get ourselves in those situations.
“I’d prefer if we don’t panic, if we just build momentum when we get our opportunities. We want to improve every week and learn from our mistake every week. If that happens I’ll be happy.”
The win evened the Sharks’ record at 3-3 while the Australian Conference-leading Brumbies are 3-2.
Sharks coach John Plumtree said his team showed great discipline in holding on for the win.
“To be 10 points up with four minutes to go on the clock, you’d expect it would pretty much be game over, but we’ve seen in this competition what can happen,” he said. “I was just pleased to hear that final whistle.”
A first win away is also a relief for the Sharks, who now travel to New Zealand to play the Hurricanes in Wellington next Friday.
“We’re not very good at this part of the leg,” Plumtree said. “When you’re away for four weeks like this, it’s just great for morale and makes everything just a bit better and easier.”
Brumbies captain Ben Mowen credited the Sharks with a strong match.
“I would like to see more patience from our side and to trust our systems,” Mowen said. “But the Sharks were very good on the night.”
