Sharks' second half blitz down Lions
SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT: Sharks kept their Super Rugby play-off hopes alive with a 31-24 win over the Lions on Saturday in Durban.
The Lions dominated possession and territory took a 21-11 lead at the break thanks to tries by Ruan Combrink, Cyle Brink and Albertus Smith.
While Daniel du Preez’s try and Robert du Preez’s boot were responsible for the Sharks’ first-half points.
The Sharks struggled with the Lions’ tempo and despite Armand Van Merwe’s valiant effort in the first 40 minutes, the hosts were forced to chase the match.
However, in the second-half, the Sharks turned on the class – starting with a sensational try by Andre Esterhuizen followed by five-pointer by Lwazi Mvovo.
The South African derby was fiercely contested with both teams bagging three tries apiece.
However, Robert du Preez’s kicking proved to be the difference as he added 16 points to his side’s tally.
The result puts Sharks at nine on the overall log and third on the South African conference.
The Sharks had a flying start as they took a 5-0 lead thanks to Daniel Du Preez after just five minutes of play.
Minutes later Lions levelled matters as Springboks wing Combrink dived over out wide. Elton Jantjies added the conversion for the 7-5 lead.
The Lions build on their lead with a great individual effort by Cyle Brink, who collected the ball just inside the Sharks’ 10 and powered his way past two defenders for the try.
The Lions third and final five-pointer came via former BlitzBoks star Smith just before the break.
In the second-half, Esterhuizen’s try and Robert Du Preez’s successful penalty kick levelled matters at 21-all.
Minutes later, Lions nudged ahead through an Elton Jantjies penalty.
But Sharks finished stronger with an intercept try by Mvovo giving them a lead which Super Rugby-leading points scorer Robert du Preez increased with a conversion and penalty.
Lions remain second in the combined standings but are only two points ahead of Waratahs, who have a game in hand with two rounds left.
“I was proud of my boys because they kept on fighting when we trailed and were struggling for possession,” said Sharks skipper and lock Ruan Botha.
Lions captain and loose forward Warren Whiteley, back after a long injury layoff, said: “Sharks were the better team and we did not capitalise on our scoring opportunities.”
Man of the match: Robert du Preez along with younger brother Daniel du Preez deserves a mention for their performance. However, our nod goes to Sharks hooker Akker van der Merwe – for his solid defence and overall work rate.
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The scorers:
For Sharks:
Tries: D du Preez, Esterhuizen, Mvovo
Cons: R du Preez 2
Pens: R du Preez 4
For Lions:
Tries: Combrink, Brink, Smith
Cons: Jantjies 3
Pen: Janjies
Teams:
Sharks: 15 Curwin Bosch, 14 Lwazi Mvovo, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Cameron Wright, 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Philip van der Walt, 5 Ruan Botha (captain), 4 Tyler Paul, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Armand van der Merwe, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 Mahlatse Ralepelle, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Ross Geldenhuys, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Jacques Vermeulen, 21 Louis Schreuder, 22 Marius Louw, 23 Kobus van Wyk.
Lions: 15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Ruan Combrink, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Aphiwe Dyantyi, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Ross Cronje, 8 Warren Whiteley (captain), 7 Cyle Brink, 6 Albertus Smith, 5 Francois Mostert, 4 Marvin Orie, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Dylan Smith.
Replacements: 16 Corné Fourie, 17 Jacques van Rooyen, 18 Johannes Jonker, 19 Lourens Erasmus, 20 Hacjivah Dayimani, 21 Marnus Schoeman, 22 Nicholas Groom, 23 Courtnall Skosan.
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Assistant referees: AJ Jacobs (South Africa), Stuart Berry (South Africa)
TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)
Picture credit: Wayne Seagreen
