The appetizers are out of the way. So let’s get down to business with a good ole SA derby at good ole KINGS PARK.
The administrators of these two teams have….. how shall we put it?…… “had their differences?” in the recent and not so recent past. I wonder how much of this animosity will be carried onto the field this afternoon.
The Sharks should walk away victors here.
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
ARs: Pro Legoete (South Africa), Cobus Wessels (South Africa)
Venue: Mr Price KINGS PARK
Kick-off: 17:05 RSA Time
Sharks: 15 Louis Ludik, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Stefan TerblanchΓ©, 12 Meyer Bosman, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Patrick Lambie, 9 Charl McLeod, 8 Ryan Kankowski, 7 Willem Alberts, 6 Jacques Botes, 5 Alistair Hargreaves, 4 Steven Sykes, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 John Smit (captain).
Replacements: 16 Tendai Mtawarira, 17 Eugene van Staden, 18 Anton Bresler, 19 Keegan Daniel, 20 Conrad Hoffmann, 21 Jacques-Louis Potgieter, 22 Adrian Jacobs.
Cheetahs: 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Philip Burger, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Andries Strauss, 11 Ryno Benjamin, 10 Naas Olivier, 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Kabamba Floors, 7 Philip van der Walt, 6 Frans Viljoen, 5 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 4 Francois Uys, 3 WP Nel, 2 Adriaan Strauss (captain), 1 Coenie Oosthuizen.
Replacements: 16 Ryno Barnes, 17 Kobus Calldo, 18 Waltie Vermeulen, 19 Ashley Johnson, 20 Tewis de Bruyn, 21 Sias Ebersohn, 22 Riaan Viljoen.

Can’t wait for the real Rugga’s to begin. Only 2 more hours.
Nicew curtain-raiser for the Lions/bulls game.
Sharks by 12 points. At least.
Dark clouds building up. Damn hope the rain stays away. Been just about no rain for weeks, now it probably will rain during the game.
Good luck to our Sharks.
The weather does look daunting from the stadium..
Raining just 30km up the South Coast..
What a great feeling to be back at the Tank!!
The Cheetahs have just arrived at the stadium..
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 5) : Gonna rain for sure Rich, massive black clouds about here now. DAMN just when our game gonna start too. Hope it is over and done with by the time 5pm comes.
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 6) : You lucky man, enjoy it mate. How many at the stadium? If there is rain it could keep supporters at home.
Is rain necessarily a bad thing? Any thoughts?
Rain could help the Chhetahs pack I think. Could be a leveller. Sharks pack should be so much better than them in normal conditions.
Please keep the weather updates coming guys…thanks π
We should still win in rain, but our dominance won’t quite show up so much on the scoreboard.
@Puma (Comment 7) :
The stadium always fills up close to kick off, not many people in yet..
@war1 (Comment 8) :
We gave the Bulls a hiding in the rain last year.. we should be able to do it again..
A hiding ? Hahaha. How many points again ?
@Speed7 (Comment 14) : We gave them a physical beating!
Keep it real. NO tall stories Richard.
@Speed7 (Comment 16) : don’t worry Sharks fans are known for hyperbole when it comes to their team.
speed you wanna try and stop a wet and slippery mvovo express.lol.cant wait got sharks by 15 on sb
@Megatron (Comment 17) : Crusaders fans are known to go into hiding when they lose.
@juba_fan (Comment 18) : try stopping a speeding phillip burger
@KSA Shark Β© (Comment 19) : funny then that i’m here hey?
@Speed7 (Comment 16) : What was your semi-final result?
Oh yes, you didn’t need to watch the semis.
OK, my two cents, rain would be best because it will cool the air down, apparently handling is easier in the rain than in the humidity, that may change if it rains too heavily.
Go Sharks!
@Megatron (Comment 21) :
Very unusual indeed. usually takes you a day or two. must have been a narrow loss. π
Bad news:
John Smit not playing.
Beast in at 1, Burden in at 16.
Stefan Terblanche to captain
Of course I watched the semi.
@war1 (Comment 23) : Correctish.
The balls are designed for WET weather handling. When it is damp it is like soap.
Superbru Community Picks:
Sharks 66167 (89.03%)
Cheetahs 8063 (10.85%)
Draw 94 (0.13%)
Wanted to see how some of those future Lions players would perfom.
@Speed7 (Comment 27) : So what was your team’s result?
Oh Yes…..I forgot.
There is some thunder around the stadium now..
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 26) : Why?
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 26) : Have they said why?
@Jarson (AddicteD) (Comment 33) :
Not sure yet, will confirm..
John walking around the field in jeans..
Cannot be too serious.. Can’t see any strapping..
You forgot ? Early on-set Alzheimers ?
Stefan practising his goal kicking, nailing them from the halfway line!!
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 38) :
And Potgieter comes up short from the exact same spot..
Lions 9 Currie Cups. Sharks 6. That score ?
John Smit has a TIGHT groin or something..
Our front row is going to be tested tonight. Only van Staden and Burden to come off the bench.
And John is in my starting XV on FL. π
Think we will prob have the biggest attendence this round..dad tellin me there is thousands of people trying to get into the stadium..hoping this inspires the sharks to win…
KSA. King Shark Alzheimers ?
@Speed7 (Comment 40) : I thought you were a guy. β
only women get historical when they are starting to lose a discussion.
@Speed7 (Comment 40) :
How many in the last ten years or so?
Grasping at straws dude..
Plenty thunder here now. How is it at the Tank Richard? The weather I mean.
Lions Bulls will be a bigger crowd.
and i got smit in my fl.ai
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 41) : Bugger, so we have another injury. Hope he is fine by next week. Gonna need all our players against those Blues. They were brilliant in the 2nd half today.
And the rain has started coming down..
Sexist ? Not cool old man. See ,iam being ageist.
@Speed7 (Comment 44) : What have I forgotten?
Oh yes, that’s it no matter how I wrack my brain I can’t recall your team’s Semi final score? Did they go straight through to the final?
No can’t be. I can’t remember that either.
Maybe i do have Alzheimers? π
@Puma (Comment 47) :
Raining now..
At least the Sharks have never lost ALL their Super Rugby games in one season. Only the Lions and Bulls can boast about such a feat.
@Speed7 (Comment 52) :
Gee i’m glad you pointed that out to me or else i might never have picked it up.
Thanks for helping out.
Please be here to help out at around 21:00 tonight? It will be much appreciated.
Manners ? Forgotten manners. Enjoy the game anyway. Despite yourself. Over and out.
So our best front 3 are starting
@Jarson (AddicteD) (Comment 55) :
Actually the Lions can’t even get that right, they have not managed a duck yet.
3 years with one victory each and 4 years with 2 victories each. (Including the cats)
if it is JUST the Lions, then they have 2 years with 2 victories in 4 years of play.
INDRUKWEKKEND!!!!!!!!!
Okay i’m off reading night to attend.
GO SHARKS!!!!!!
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 51) : Damn just when the game is about to start.
GOOOOOOOOOOO SHARKSSSSSSS.
Back later.
Rain getting heavier now..
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 62) : with any luck it’s just passing over and not settling in.
Smit did himself during the captains run yesterday
@KSA Shark Β© (Comment 63) :
Let’s hope!
The TV okes are of the opinion that Smit has a tight calf
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 65) : let’s also hope my 3G works inside the buildings.
@KSA Shark Β© (Comment 67) :
Im praying mine lasts during the bad weather..
@KSA Shark Β© (Comment 25) : you’ve very grootbek today huh? π
What is this Super Ugby? π
the jerseys do look good.go SHARKS
@Megatron (Comment 69) : my team hasn’t lost yet. I can afford to be. π
@klempie (Comment 70) : why? Are you going to be on TV during it?
Philip Burger? That’s the clown with the vertical try dive.
@KSA Shark Β© (Comment 73) : Why would I be asking about it, if I was going to be in it.
Great ty to get the Sharks season off to a cracker!!
Botes you beauty!!
BOTESSSS!!!
Great maul. π
HEEEEEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA TRY. π
Lambie misses the conversion
Sharks 5 – 0 Cheetahs
4 minutes
Go Sharks!!
Great try: jersey looks great, as does the pack.
Lambie hooks the conversion.
Sharks 5 – 0 Tjietahs
4 mins.
Botes is in my FL squad π
I like those Puma jerseys.
yeah baby!!!!
Alberts vs Burger.. Burger lost that contest!
Ashley Johnson on for the Cheetahs
Over it goes, nice one SuperPat π
Possession
Sharks 64% – 36% Tjietahs
Has the game stopped?
Marauding is the word I would use to describe the Sharks’ mood. π
McLeod does not look too well after a fw heavy blows..
Tjietahs tackling like demons
Botes down and looks in pain!
Daniel warming up on the sideline
Botes off with blood..
Keegan on the park now
Sharks 8 – 0 Cheetahs
22mins
Hargreaves hands in ruck. Naas goes for poles and puts it over.
Sharks 8 – 3 Tjietahs
34 mins.
ST from 5m inside his own half in front. π
@klempie (Comment 98) : Off the left.
ST lining up from the same spot. π
@klempie (Comment 100) : Left and short.
Our lineouts are kak!
HT Sharks 8 – 3 Tjietahs
Rain really spoiling this game!
Kom Sharkies. Step it up a notch. Got to win the 1st one.
Hmpf! Not impressed with this game so far I waited all week for this and so far its an anti-climax
Expected a little more from the Sharks after that great start
watch the sharks turn up the gas in the second half.pity of the rain but WE BELIEVE
Sharks need to really blitz them in the next 10 minutes.
The Cheetahs have no right to be as close as they are…
Nice intensity so far.
@juba_fan (Comment 108) : Think the weather may stop us. Rain just belting down now. Also very humid.
@Ben (Comment 104) : Sure is Ben.
Really now! The linouts aren’t working! Throw in front!!!
Daniel tackles man without ball. Naas puts it over.
Sharks 8 – 6 Tjietahs
44 mins.
I want a new Sharks jersey, now!
Terrible start to the 2nd half. Need to keep the discipline.
Sharks needed to turn pressure into points in first half!! Could come back to bite.
@Jarson (AddicteD) (Comment 115) : Have you got the stomach for it? π
Too much aimless kicking away of posession
Benjamin side entry at the ruck.
Lambie going for goal from about 40m.
And gets it.
Sharks 11 – 6 Tjietahs
49 metres.
Finally some bloody points!!
Hand in ruck by vd Walt.
Lambie from 40m in front.
@klempie (Comment 118) : My stomach is a bit round, but a xxl will fit I’m sure π³
@klempie (Comment 122) : Over
Sharks 14 – 6 Tjietahs
51 mins
Over, nice one SuperPat π
8 point buffer, not ideal but ok.
Seems it’s stopped raining
@klempie (Comment 127) :
Rain is more a constant drizzle
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 128) : Thanks.
this game is boring…
Not impressed at all!
I have Jaarks by 15 and on LMS ..doit !
bath bath π
Lineouts pathetic!
Sharks need Kockett π
Stupid kicking…
Now sharks now. Try! Come on
Has Phillip Burger flexed his muscles yet? π
About 16mins left.
Yes! Finally!
TRY!!
A second maul gets Bis over.
Sharks by far have the best jersey in Superugby this season !
Try!!!
Whoop Whoop!
YESSSSSSSSSS TRYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY π
PHEW!!! we needed that try.
Good work Bismark!! Finally
@csb (Comment 142) : Agreed! My birthday is coming up soon π
Biz is in my FL squad π
Lambie slots the conversion.
Sharks 21 – 9 Tjietahs
I’ve got Sharks by 11. π
SuperPat does it again. OVER… π
@Jarson (AddicteD) (Comment 148) :
me too finally a try for my FL
JLP on.
12 point buffer, much better π
@klempie (Comment 153) :
Depth test ..?
@csb (Comment 152) : I have 7 tries now in total π maybe more.
Come on boys go for the bonus point! Only 2 more tries.
God but Bobby is a berry …dingleberry π
@csb (Comment 155) : I guess.
Burden on.
Game set match… pity no prospect of a bonus point
@Jarson (AddicteD) (Comment 156) :
Let me guess Mitchell ? π
Score please stay the same …jaaaaaaarkkks by 15
INDAHOUSE !
Final score yet ?
Adi 100th cap
Adi gets 100. Where’s Charlie?
@csb (Comment 162) : and then some
@klempie (Comment 165) : Just about to say it.
Well done Adi.
@Pablo Dinero (Comment 161) : Don’t think a bonus point was on in the wet weather. Just pleased we get the win. Good way to start this year.
Congrats Adi !
Congrats Adi π
Geez was that knock on the first time Adi touched the ball???
That’s it sharks not the best game, let’s blame the rain! But well done! Grinded it out well! Congrats boys
Game over.
FT Sharks 24 – 9 Tjietahs
Kak game of Super Ugby.
good win Sharks – well done boys
so Sharks on 4 points and so are the Stormers ..MAD ! π
Well done Sharks. 4 points in the bag. π Nice way to start this year.
I thought that was an awesome game… any game the Sharks win by 16 points is great.
Excellent, thanks for the updates guys, Go Sharks !!!
Well done Sharks! Black & White, nothing else matters.
Well atleast u beat ur bogey team Sharks
@robdylan (Comment 177) : Well said Rob. Agree. Also in the terrible conditions. Really pleased we won it.
Now for the Blues next week. They played some awesome rugby in the 2nd half. They have to travel though. So we might have some kinda advantage. Just hope no rain for next week.
@robdylan (Comment 177) : Without a BP? π We all know how that comes back to bite you.
@robdylan (Comment 177) : So how about this game then? We won by 15 π
Now finally for the real Rugby to start π π
Good luck to Lions for their game. Does anyone know the weather up in Joburg? Someone earlier said it was raining up there as well.
whoohoo spot on got sharks by 15.bismark starting xv.lambi kicked well got him as my capt.all in all great for me and good for the boys.SHARKS
Don’t get all blah blah about a bonus point ..this and every Cheetah side are not a push over ..take the win and enjoy it !
@klempie (Comment 182) : oh come on…
@Ben (Comment 183) : stop being pendantic π
@robdylan (Comment 188) : π
@Puma (Comment 185) :
Thanks ..touch and go ..had rain earlier ..but its died down now ..pitch should be wet but condition will be dry come game time ..
Shame so what would happen to the people who had john smit in their FL team?
I’m happy for the win π
@robdylan (Comment 189) : Honestly I think had it not rained we would have run the cheetahs off their feet.