Sharks take the spoils in thriller of a match

talk last week building up to yesterday’s Super Rugby match between the Sharks and the Chiefs was all about weakened opposition and possible bonus points, but the Sharks would not be dragged into complacency, and rightly so.

The Chiefs provided stern opposition, but the Sharks were able to win the arm wrestle 28-24 thanks to strong starts, and good composure.

The Sharks certainly dominated proceedings, but they have done that in many games this season, and sometimes lost. What was different this time is that they managed to stay in the contest, and wrap things up when it got a little tight.

The Sharks began both halves with fire in their belly, but the Chiefs managed to douse those flames each time. It was a second half settling, and concentration on game management, that saw the Sharks slowly pull away on the scoreboard to register an important win, despite a late consolation try by the Chiefs.

The win, albeit only a four-pointer, helps the Sharks immensely in terms of the log, especially with the Stormers losing their game unexpectedly against the Sunwolves earlier yesterday.

In the end, it will be a strange game for the Sharks to dissect, but they will have the momentum heading to Argentina to take on the Jaguares, although the coach will have familiar concerns again.

Opportunities missed and points left out on the field have been a common narrative for the Sharks this season with coach Robert du Preez lamenting this fact in both wins and losses.

The first half yesterday was the same story as the home side showed some incredibly silky rugby initially, but with little reward. The Chiefs were under the cosh, but because the Sharks were not being as clinical as they could have been, the visitors began clawing their way back.

In saying that, the first half is always vital for the Sharks, in fact, the first few minutes, in terms of setting the tone of their performance. So, with a few early penalties going their way from the scrums and rucks, captain Ruan Botha had no problem sending for Robert du Preez’s kicking tee for the opening penalty of the game.

Du Preez got some more points when he nabbed an early try. However, personal thanks needed to be offered to the entire front row as Akker van der Merwe, Beast Mtawarira and Thomas du Toit all combined brilliantly, offloading in the tackles, to make it simple for their flyhalf to score – and convert.

The Chiefs struck back, a little fortunately, or perhaps purposefully, as a line-out was overthrown with Canada International Tyler Ardron benefiting as he flopped over the line.

The Chiefs then saw the pressure they were under early on disappear off the scoreboard as Marty Mckenzie struck a penalty to level the scores.

The half petered out somewhat as the Chiefs, despite missing 20 of their squad, proved they can scrap it out, just like they did in the Cape. After an electric start, a look at the scoreboard at the break saw the visitors on level terms, 10-all, despite the home side playing all the rugby.

Much like the first half, the second saw the Sharks come out firing. Building up towards the Chiefs’ tryline, some slick interplay, and simple hands, allowed Lwazi Mvovo to glide over the line untouched to move the home side back in front.

The Chiefs then profited even with the Sharks being on the front-foot as their captain, Charlie Ngatai, read a backline move perfectly to pluck the ball off an André Esterhuizen pass for an intercept try, the Chiefs taking the lead for the first time with the conversion.

The lead didn’t last as, with things tightening up, Robert du Preez brought out his kicking tee to pull back a slender one-point lead with a penalty kick.

The lead grew thanks again to the front row forwards, albeit indirectly. Massive scrum pressure turned Chiefs ball into a Sharks put in, and additional pressure in the following set piece allowed Cameron Wright to pick up from the base and glide through the defence for a try under the posts.

Things were starting to falter for the Chiefs as mistakes and penalties mounted. A high tackle allowed for Du Preez to slot another penalty and extend the lead to 11 with the game winding down. In typical fashion though, the NZ side still had the last say as a breakaway in the counter attack saw Solomon Alaimalo sneak a try after the hooter to poach a losing bonus point.