Mapimpi's double helps Sharks down Bulls
Sharks coach Robert du Preez named a first-half team and a second-half team for the clash against the Bulls.
The first 40 minutes of play was evenly poised. Both teams attacked with full intent however they had to settle for a 7-all scoreline at the break.
The Sharks were the first to score after 33 minutes of play. Kobus van Wyk's break managed to set up Cameron Wright for the first try of the match. Curwin Bosch slotted over the conversion, 7-0
On the stroke of half-time Bulls levelled the score as Manie Libbok's quick feet got him over the line. Flyhalf made no mistake to add the extras. 7-all as the teams head to the tunnel.
The second half belonged to the men in black, especially new recruit Makazole Mapimpi. The wing immediately made an impact as he scored his first try in the 47th minute for the 12-7 lead.
The Sharks' third try came via Marius Louw, who interception to score under the poles. Robert du Preez Jnr made no mistake to add the easy extras.
As the game reached the last minutes, Stephen Lewis got his name on the scoresheet, while Mapimpi sealed his brace for his side.
The Bulls' also added another try to their tally thanks to hooker Jaco Visagie.
The scorers:
The Bulls:
Tries: Libbok, Visagie
Cons: Libbok Boshoff
For Sharks:
Tries: Wright, Mapimpi 2, Louw, Vermeulen.
Cons: Bosch, Du Preez 2
Yellow card: Garth April (Sharks, 75- professional foul)
Bulls: 15 Divan Rossouw, 14 Travis Ismaiel, 13 Johnny Kotze, 12 Burger Odendaal (captain), 11 Jade Stighling, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Hanro Liebenberg, 7 Thembelani Bholi, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Aston Fortuin, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Frans van Wyk, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Lizo Gqoboka.
Replacements: Jaco Visagie, Pierre Schoeman, Conraad van Vuuren, Eli Snyman, Jano Venter, Roelof Smit, Andre Warner, Marnitz Boshoff, Franco Naude, Jamba Ulengo, Duncan Matthews.
Sharks:
First-half team: 15 Lwazi Mvovo, 14 Jacobus van Wyk, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Jeremy Ward, 11 Sibusiso Nkosi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Cameron Wright, 8 Keegan Daniel, 7 Tyler Paul, 6 Jacques Vermeulen, 5 Ruan Botha (captain), 4 Hyron Andrews, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Armand van der Merwe, 1 Juan Schoeman
Second-half team: 15 Garth April, 14 Makazole Mapimpi, 13 Tristan Blewett, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Courtney Winnaar, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Louis Schreuder, 8 Lubabalo Mtembu, 7 Wian Vosloo, 6 Philip van der Walt, 5 Stephan Lewies, 4 Gideon Koegelenberg, 3 John-Hubert Meyer, 2 Franco Marais (captain), 1 Mzamo Majola
Extra players: Mahlatse Ralepelle , Khuta Mchunu
Referee: Jaco Peyper
