Mission accomplished for workmanlike Sharks pack
● The Sharks mauled and clawed their way to a 42-19 Super Rugby Unlocked win over the Pumas in Mbombela yesterday.
It was a workmanlike performance from the Sharks who used the grunt and toil of their pack to draw the sting from the potentially dangerous hosts.
The visitors, who led 28-7 at the break, had made five changes to their pack that was outmuscled by the Bulls last week and the coaching staff got the desired result. The Sharks’ forwards played with verve and vigour and were particularly potent when they deployed their maul.
They started like a team on a mission. They were on the scoreboard inside the first three minutes when fullback Manie Libbok dotted down after good lead-up work from centre Marius Louw.
Work ethic
The Pumas weren’t just prone to error, but their work ethic at times let them down too. A poor kick-chase afforded the Sharks space and time and leftwing Madosh Tambwe lengthened his stride to run in almost unchallenged.
By the time hooker Dan Jooste crashed over at the back of a maul the visitors were three goals to the good inside the first quarter.
Though the Pumas upped the tempo and got some reward as the first half closed, their high error rate continued to stymie their progress.
S’bu Nkosi’s hand off of Devon Williams on the cusp of the break perhaps brutally encapsulated how the match had unfolded up to that moment. While the heavy-handed Nkosi profited by touching down, it was a purposeful maul that got the Pumas onto the backfoot.
Dylan Richardson, JJ van der Mescht and Ox Nche were influential operators in the Sharks’ pack but their coaching staff will reflect on a fine collective effort.
On Friday, Wandisile Simelane played a leading role when the Lions recorded their first Super Rugby Unlocked win when they downed Griquas 61-31 at Ellis Park.
Simelane's deft handling, quick feet and ability to ghost into space proved a keen feature of the Lions’ nine-try romp over the bottom of the table team.
“I’m very happy with Wandi, he’s been working very hard,” said Lions captain Elton Jantjies. “He has been kept accountable and has displayed willingness to grow as a player. This game showed what kind of player he is. He is a guy that takes ownership of his job,” said Jantjies.
Coach Ivan van Rooyen joined the chorus. “Wandi had a good game again. We all know how dangerous Wandi is when he is in open space. He’s a world-class attacker one-onone,” said the coach.