Sharks in uncharitable mood
It was meant to be a fund-raising affair to launch World Cup-winning former Springbok captain John Smit's new charity.
However, the Sharks – minus 10 internationals – swept past Barney's Army to win 47-21 in Durban on Friday.
Any suggestions that this game wouldn't be competitive were quickly dispelled as Smit's team brought some real intensity to the opening stages.
Most of the players are playing top flight rugby, although quite a few have also retired.
There were some big hits from both sides, with Matt Banahan having kept the Sharks on their toes with some hard running.
Former Sharks stalwart Butch James also marshalled matters well in the midfield with some great distribution.
The Sharks, with a number of youngsters playing for reputations and a shot at the Currie Cup in a few months' time, brought their own energy to this game.
Well done John Smit, you have served the game with distinction.
"I want to say thank you to everyone who came to watch us and support us," Smit said.
Scorers:
For the Sharks:
Tries: Ndungane, Whitehead 2, Burden, Cloete, Reinach, Specman
Cons: Bosman 2, Viljoen 4
Barney's Army:
Tries: Russell, Penalty Try, Linde
Cons: Montgomery, Smit 2
Teams:
Sharks: 15 Louis Ludik, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Tim Whitehead, 12 Meyer Bosman, 11 Sibusiso Sithole, 10 Riaan Viljoen, 9 Charl McLeod, 8 Lubabalo Mtembu, 7 Jean Deysel (captain), 6 Francois Kleinhans, 5 Anton Bresler, 4 Jandré Marais, 3 Wiehahn Herbst, 2 Craig Burden, 1 Dale Chadwick.
Replacements: 16 Kyle Cooper, 17 Julian Redelinghuys, 18 Peet Marais, 19 Chris Cloete, 20 Cobus Reinach, 21 Gouws Prinsloo, 22 Rosko Specman.
Barney's Army: 15 Percy Montgomery, 14 Brent Russell, 13 Matt Banahan, 12 Marius Joubert, 11 Joe Maddock, 10 Butch James, 9 Mark McMillan, 8 Shaun Sowerby, 7 Francois Louw, 6 Julian Salvi, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Jason White, 3 Faan Rautenbach, 2 John Smit, 1 Martin Scelzo.
Replacements: 16 Peter Dixon, 17 Danie Minnie, 18 Rob Linde, 19 Hottie Louw, 20 Rory Kockott, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Stefan Terblanche, 23 Heimar Williams.
Referee: Mark Lawrence (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Archie Sehlako (South Africa), Tahla Simo Ntshakaza (South Africa)
TMO: Deon van Blommestein (South Africa)
