Easy for Sharks against Bulls

● The ghosts of last year’s Currie Cup final defeat may not be exorcised yet but the Sharks laid down a solid marker with their 26-10 downing of the Bulls at Kings Park.

The Sharks looked every bit a team that had a proper hit-out the previous week as they strung together phases with ease.

The Bulls, efficient in last week’s away win against the Free State Cheetahs, were competitive and at times unlucky.

But their decision-making cost them dearly. The Sharks had the tactical smarts and class to turn half-chances into points. Their first try, through prop Juan Schoeman, in the sixth minute was testament to this as they were patient in their build-up.

Schoeman had to shrug off a few tackles before he wormed his way over but the Sharks again looked a lot like last year’s side that marched through the round-robin stage with ease before choking in the playoffs.

The Bulls asked questions and got a Jesse Kriel try in the 16th minute.

With Manie Libbok having added a 10thminute penalty, the Bulls should have extended their lead in the 22nd minute but brainless rugby from openside flanker Ruan Steenkamp was reciprocated by slick and smart counterattacking from the Sharks.

No 8 Daniel du Preez started a break and after smart interpassing saw the Sharks move from their tryline, Curwin Bosch finished the move that saw the Sharks regain the lead.

The Sharks, in the 38th minute, scored their third try through rightwing Kobus van Wyk, the beneficiary of a blindside move that caught the Bulls defence napping.

The Bulls should have scored in the 55th minute when Libbok floated a lovely pass wide but replacement looseforward Jano Venter knocked on with the line beckoning.

A minute later the Bulls thought their luck had turned when Kriel crossed but referee Marius van der Westhuizen was alerted that Bulls centre Johnny Kotze’s foot was in touch and the lineout should have been the Sharks’.

The Sharks eventually scored a fourth try through replacement utility back Aphelele Fassi. The Sharks were energised by the exciting Fassi. He should have had a second try in the 72nd minute but for two forward passes in the build-up.

Meanwhile, Western Province coped better with atrocious conditions to beat the Free State Cheetahs 32-0 in their first outing of the 2018 Currie Cup season.