Sharks savaged by red-hot Rebels
VISITORS SUCCUMB TO RELENTLESS PRESSURE Durbanites have now lost four of their opening five matches.
The Sharks’ struggles have gone from bad to worse as they suffered a humbling 46-14 defeat against the Rebels in their Super Rugby match here yesterday.
The Sharks have now suffered four defeats, but this loss will be the most painful of the lot.
They were outclassed from start to finish, with basic errors and ill-discipline proving extremely costly as the Rebels powered to another victory that underlines their status as the leading Australian side this season.
The Rebels made the ideal start when Reece Hodge slotted an early penalty before hooker Anaru Rangi barged over for the opening try in the 11th minute after the hosts had set up a driving lineout 5m from the tryline.
Matters looked to be going from bad to worse for the Sharks when Rebels winger Sefa Naivalu looked to have scored soon after, but an obstruction was spotted.
Nevertheless, the Sharks’ nightmare continued as fullback Curwin Bosch was sent to the sin bin for a deliberate knock-on at a time when the Rebels were again looking threatening on attack.
However, the home side failed to score any points in Bosch’s absence, while the Sharks then created a beautiful try for Lwazi Mvovo in the 28th minute.
It was a temporary reprieve as Rangi barged over just before the break.
Jack Debreczeni extended the lead with a penalty soon after the restart, before Will Genia went over for his side’s third try to open up a commanding 25-7 lead just before the hour mark.
The Rebels continued to pile on the punishment as Billy Meakes and Ross Haylett-Petty added to the visitors’ discomfort.
Although the Sharks grabbed a late consolation through Marius Louw, the humiliation was complete when Fereti Sa’aga dived over. – ANA