Buthelezi double gives Sharks scrappy win at Kings Park
REPORT: Two tries by loose forward Phepsi Buthelezi helped the Sharks secure a hard-earned 21-15 win over Cardiff at Kings Park on Friday.
In a contest that lacked fluency but delivered plenty of physical intensity and drama, the home side outscored the Welsh visitors three tries to two – keeping their play-off hopes on track.
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There were several off-the-ball scuffles, and even at full-time, players were still throwing handbags.
The Sharks also lost the services of teen sensation Luan Gilliomee in the opening minutes, while Cardiff’s Taulupe Faletau was forced off with an injury in the second half.
The opening stages set the tone. Both teams struggled to build momentum, with handling errors and defensive pressure preventing either side from stringing together meaningful phases.
However, it was the Sharks who struck first when lock Jason Jenkins charged down a clearance to create the opportunity. After earning a penalty, the hosts opted for a line-out, and the decision paid off as Phepsi Buthelezi powered over from the back of a driving maul. Jordan Hendrikse converted to make it 7-0.
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Cardiff responded just before the quarter mark, levelling the scores after a patient build-up through multiple forward carries. A well-executed loop pass released Mason Grady out wide, and the wing finished confidently. Callum Sheedy converted to make it 7-7.
The momentum swung further in Cardiff’s favour when Hendrikse was shown a yellow card, reducing the Sharks to 14 men. The visitors capitalised almost immediately. From a line-out, Cardiff shifted the ball wide before a clever chip kick was gathered by Grady, who beat his defender with a sharp step to score his second. Sheedy missed the conversion, leaving the score at 12-7.
However, despite a man down, the Sharks responded impressively.
Buthelezi claimed his second try after breaking from another driving maul to crash over, narrowing the deficit. With Hendrikse off the field, Bradley Davids took over the kicking duties and slotted the conversion to edge the Sharks back in front at 14-12.
That score sparked a strong period for the hosts, who continued to apply pressure even with 14 men.
Just before the break, Yaw Penxe extended the lead with a moment of individual brilliance, spotting space in behind and executing a perfectly weighted chip before regathering to score.
Hendrikse returned from the sin bin in time to convert, giving the Sharks a 21-12 lead at half-time.
The second half opened at a lively pace, with both teams moving the ball quickly and attacking with intent.
The Sharks began to impose themselves physically but were unable to add to their tally. Cardiff, meanwhile, came close when the impressive Grady broke through the line and left defenders trailing. However, a crucial tackle from André Esterhuizen, followed by a knock-on, halted his plans.
Cardiff continued to push and earned several opportunities in the Sharks’ half, but a key line-out steal by Vincent Tshituka, coupled with an overcooked cross-kick from Sheedy, kept the hosts in control.
The visitors eventually opted for three points from a penalty, with Ioan Lloyd adding the kick to narrow the deficit.
In the end, the closing stages summed up Cardiff’s night. They produced moments of quality, but their set-piece faltered at crucial times, and they had to settle for a losing bonus point.
For the Sharks, however, the victory could prove significant as they continue their push for a place in the top eight.
Player of the Match: Cardiff wing Mason Grady was electric with the ball in hand and equally impressive on defence, with a big hit on André Esterhuizen that caught the eye. However, our nod goes to Sharks No. 8 Phepsi Buthelezi. He was outstanding for the hosts, scoring a brace and making several strong carries.
The scorers:
For Sharks:
Tries: Buthlezi 2, Penxe
Cons: Hendrikse 2, Davids
For Cardiff:
Tries: Grady 2
Con: Sheedy
Pen: Lloyd
Yellow card: Jordan Hendrikse (Sharks, 26 – deliberate knock down)
Teams:
Sharks: 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Bradley Davids, 8 Nick Hatton, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Phatu Ganyane
Replacements: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Jannes Potgieter, 21 Ross Braude, 22 Jean Smith, 23 Le Roux Malan
Cardiff: 15 Ioan Lloyd, 14 Iwan Stephens, 13 Harri Millard, 12 Ben Thomas, 11 Mason Grady, 10 Callum Sheedy, 9 Johan Mulder; 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Dan Thomas, 6 James Botham, 5 Rory Thornton, 4 Josh McNally, 3 Keiron Assiratti, 2 Liam Belcher (Captain), 1 Corey Domachowski.
Replacements: 16 Daf Hughes, 17 Danny Southworth, 18 Javan Sebastian, 19 Alun Lawrence, 20 Taine Basham, 21 Ellis Bevan, 22 Rory Jennings, 23 Elijah Evans
Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy)
Assistant referees: Morne Ferreira (South Africa), Jonathan Lottering (South Africa)
TMO: Marius van der Westhuisen (South Africa)
