Hola todos, y bienvenidos a Kings Park, Durban!
The Sharks are at home for the first time this season, having picked up a handy win against the out-gunned Kings in Round 1. While that outfit certainly didn’t boast much in terms of test experience (in fact, it boasted none whatsoever), this week’s foes, los Jaguares, are the proverbial “cat of a different coat” – assuming that George RR Martin was responsible for writing at least one of the proverbs. Every member of the Jaguares 23 boasts test experience, with 14 of them having played for Argentina against South African in the most recent Rugby World Cup third place play-off game.
Coming up against that sort of stat, the Sharks themselves appear rather underdone, with just eight test Springboks (six current) in their starting team and two more capped players on the bench. What’s more, it’s been a very long time indeed since Odwa Ndungane or Michael Claassens played Test rugby.
The Sharks are going to have to play out of their socks to roll this Jagaures outfit today. Let’s hope they can do it!
Kick-off in Durban is at 19h10 and it’s likely to be a hot and sticky evening.
Sharks: 15. Willie le Roux, 14. Odwa Ndungane, 13. Paul Jordaan, 12. Andre Esterhuizen, 11. JP Pietersen, 10. Joe Pietersen, 9. Cobus Reinach, 8. Daniel du Preez, 7. Jean-Luc du Preez, 6. Marcell Coetzee, 5. Stephan Lewies, 4. Etienne Oosthuizen, 3. Coenie Oosthuizen, 2. Franco Marais, 1. Tendai Mtawarira (c)
Replacements: 16. Kyle Cooper, 17. Juan Schoeman, 18. Lourens Adriaanse, 19. Hyron Andrews, 20. Philip van der Walt, 21. Michael Claassens, 22. Garth April, 23. S’bura Sithole
Los Jaguares: 15 Santiago Cordero, 14 Matías Orlando, 13 Matías Moroni, 12 Santiago González Iglesias, 11 Emiliano Boffelli, 10 Nicolás Sánchez, 9, Martín Landajo, 8 Leonardo Senatore, 7 Rodrigo Báez, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Matías Alemanno, 4 Guido Petti, 3 Ramiro Herrera, 2 Agustín Creevy (c), 1 Santiago García Botta
Bench: 16 Julián Montoya, 17 Felipe Arregui, 18 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, 19 Javier Ortega Desio, 20 Facunda Isa, 21 Gonzalo Bertranou, 22 Joaquín Paz, 23 Lucas Gonzaláz Amorosino
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anyone have a free live stream for the matches sto – cheetahs and sharks games pse
@Gerhardt (Comment 1) : Try vipbox.tv
Damn Rob, never use GR Martin and anything you love in the same sentence, paragraph or article! Have you not watched the Red Wedding?! Haha
The Sharks face the Jaguars and I face a plate of Nachos and the inevitable heartburn that follows. May we all prevail!
How long before Jacques Potgieter is match fit?
Well, when you put it like that the Cheetahs punched above their weight last week. The Sharks – taking into account all the accountables – simply need to dominate, take the lead and refuse to relinquish it. Simple in theory if more complex in practice.
Need to get updates on here,guys.lost out on the decoder for the most crucial game of the weekend 🙁
Remembering of course that anyone is beatable.
@50shadesofshark (Comment 7) : really? The Sharks game should be sacrosanct. Up your game friend.
Assert your dominance!
@Ben (Comment 5) : 6-8 weeks was the news from the sharks – that was 2 weeks out from the start of the season.
@Kiss_the_Gold (Comment 10) : 😀
Has the game kicked off? Sky Sports are fannying around showing old 7s highlights when the schedule says the Sharks game was to be broadcast from the hour.
@Kiss_the_Gold (Comment 13) : No kickoff at 19:20
@KingRiaan (Comment 14) : phew
@50shadesofshark (Comment 11) : 🙄
Really getting tired of seeing Etienne Oosthuizen’s name.
Updates might be hard to get-guess everyone will be too busy watching the game.
@Kiss_the_Gold (Comment 13) : Not yet, still on ads on ss
@50shadesofshark (Comment 17) : I will do score updates for you.
Now for the big one!!! GO SHARKS!!!!
Here we go. Go Sharks!
@Ben (Comment 19) : thanks!
We are underway.
Sharks 3 – 0 Jaguares
3 minutes.
Jaguares try.
Now why the fuck did Joe Pietersen kick that free kick straight to their dangerous backs? They score easily.
Sharks 3 – 7 Jaguares
6 minutes.
What fucked up game plan are the Sharks employing tonight. Just gave these guys the ball for free from that penalty.
@Ben (Comment 27) : Kak play from the Sharks there
ir a los tiburones!!!!!!!!!
@Kiss_the_Gold (Comment 26) : was that a missed kicked for touch or just a kick upfield from the free kick?
Sharks try from a driving maul. Marcell Coetzee.
@50shadesofshark (Comment 31) : I think the latter
Sharks 10 – 7 Jaguares
11 minutes.
@Kiss_the_Gold (Comment 33) : :/
Sharks 10 – 10 Jaguares
15 minutes.
2 rough calls in a row … off the boot
@Ben (Comment 36) : Reinach monstered Sanchez there
@Henkb (Comment 38) : Loved it!
@Ben (Comment 39) : Dan monstering senatore
Odwa’s lack of pace may have cost us a try there…
@Ben (Comment 39) : Willie making a huge difference on the backline
@Ben (Comment 39) : @Henkb (Comment 38) : cant wait to see it. ?ir a los tiburones!!!
@Kiss_the_Gold (Comment 41) : sithole asap
Lackluster from JPP.
@50shadesofshark (Comment 43) : Our rolling maul and line out cooking like sunfoil tonight
Sharks are very disjointed
@Ben (Comment 45) : Second time tonight he had shit in his hand, first catching the ball and now slipped a tackle
Cobus back to his old shit habits.
No completeed scrum as yet
Sharks 13 – 10 Jaguares
27 minutes.
Jeez the Sharks have started shit
Vadly pinged …. tgats off an orange boot again
Are we really back to GG’s boring gameplan??
Yellow card for Baez.
Jaco pepper now had enough or the argies nitty gritty shit yellow card
Marcel is offside at every ruck?
@Henkb (Comment 56) : 2nd yellow coming in as many mintues
Another yellow. Matera
Utter shyte Sharks…
?ir a los tiburones!!!!!
Should be a penalty try?
WTF why no scrum in front of the posts????
2 yellow cards to argies?c’mon ,we need to finish the argies off here.play smart rugby,though,not get frenetic.
Poor from the Sharks. Very poor.
Really dumbass rugby by us against 13
For fuck sakes!
Oh my god. The Sharks are shit tonight!
Cordero try.
Odwa way too slow, their fullback skinned him
@50shadesofshark (Comment 70) : Cordero burned ndungane for pace badley
Sharks 13 – 15 Jaguares
38 minutes.
Gulam Bodi involved in rugby as well?
Odwa beaten twice by pace – 2 tries.
@Kiss_the_Gold (Comment 70) : Reinach having a shit game now
Daniel du preez ball handling is absolute shit. How many times has he lost the ball tonight
Sorry to say but today Odwa is looking slow!!!!
Sharks class of 2015. Welcome back! 🙄
@Spirit of Rugby (Comment 73) : Must be tonight
@Henkb (Comment 72) : get sithole on the field asap.
Half Time
Sharks 13 – 15 Jaguares
For fuck sake can the twins hold onto the ball!?!?!? How many times have they lost the ball?!?!?!
Du Preez brothers running well but need to protect the ball better when tackled.
Jeez, but the du Preez bros are losing possession easily 😯
@Poisy (Comment 76) : Because he always tries to run over someone!
Painfull …. Very Painfull
Du Preez family not having a stellar day on the rugby pitch today.
Cobus is so useless. Faf currently has no equal.
@Ben (Comment 85) : Instead of running into space.
@50shadesofshark (Comment 80) : JPP also not match fit, poor handeling, doing everything in slow motion and missing tackles and can’t keep the ball
@50shadesofshark (Comment 80) : sorry to say but maybe you’re right!!!!
If nothing changes for the Sharks the Jaguars will beat them tonight. Too many knock ons, no control, no sustained pressure. Get Claasens on. Reinach is having a mare. I’m sorry too but Odwa was also in a 14 point swing there. He’s too slow for a back 3.
Sounds like sithole,claassens and vd walt must get on the field?
@GreatSharksays (Comment 87) : time for Claasens to get on the field!!!!
@Poisy (Comment 76) : Yup keeps spilling in the tackle. I’d ginger there today? Maybe he needs to step in.
And their boet couldn’t kick withour getting it charged down. Must be a family issue…
@50shadesofshark (Comment 80) : We need the full arsenal in the 2nd half, and I’m not referring to the gunners
Someone needs to tell those Du Preez brothers how to hold onto the ball in the tackle.
…and now we get to listen to Mallet at half time….
@50shadesofshark (Comment 92) : also think the changes needs to be made now!!!!!
@The Great Couch Shark (Comment 96) : Get them sponsored by super glue for now
@FireTheLooser (Comment 99) : one word “mute”
@FireTheLooser (Comment 98) : Almost as great as Pollard, the 1st add that comes up
@FireTheLooser (Comment 99) : ….rather just change the channel…I do not have the strength for him right now.
Claasens on for Cobus
Sithole on for JP
2 people on for the Du Preez boeties
@Henkb (Comment 90) : sounds like mvovo’s injury is hurting the sharks?
Looks like all we worked on was the driving mall from a lineout.
@FireTheLooser (Comment 98) : Actually he is talking sense tonight.
I’m so disappointed in this game. Was looking forward to this game the entire week. Get Cobus off, also bring on the Philip.
Damn people calm down. Too early to be calling for heads.
@The Great Couch Shark (Comment 105) : andrews to lock and oosthuizen to 7?
@Bokhoring (Comment 107) : That shows just how bad we are….when moaning Mallet makes sense.
@50shadesofshark (Comment 110) : Fuck no!
Probably the Durban March humidity making the ball slippery. Jaguares also coughing up a lot of ball. Sharks should be used to these conditions though.
I’d say change Jpp and Lewies…their match fitness is not on par for this game.
@Southern_Shark (Comment 109) : Though not too early to call for someone to use theirs.
@50shadesofshark (Comment 110) : no just bring on the Ginger Ninja!!!
@Bokhoring (Comment 113) : It’s not that humid at all really. Pretty dry here. No excuse.
@50shadesofshark (Comment 105) : Lewis also looking rusty, only prominent in the line outs not general play
@Southern_Shark (Comment 109) : not calling for heads but changes needs to be made and soon!!!
@FireTheLooser (Comment 114) : Lewies doing well in the lineouts though.
@Southern_Shark (Comment 110) : need to watch the game before i can actually comment on players
Second half underway.
Let’s face them completely now in the 2nd half please boys
@Bokhoring (Comment 121) : thats good to hear
@50shadesofshark (Comment 121) : Reinach very slow in distribution
We need the beast mode to rattle some cages and heads
?ir a los tiburones!!!!
@50shadesofshark (Comment 127) : JPP missed tackle number 3
@50shadesofshark (Comment 127) : Guys to loose tonight and not committing to the game plan from last week
@50shadesofshark (Comment 121) : Oosthuizen off Adriaanse on
@Henkb (Comment 129) :c’mon jpp!!
@Bokhoring (Comment 120) : And then Senatore steals one in front of him.
Score guys?
@50shadesofshark (Comment 131) : Pepper also not calling mall when we have the ball in the air
Jaguares getting more and more into the game now.
@50shadesofshark (Comment 133) : Shark 13 jags 15
@50shadesofshark (Comment 133) : 13-15 Jags lead
@50shadesofshark (Comment 133) : Creepy thinking pepper on his team and pass to him
Was sitting perfectly in line with that line-out very scew
@Bokhoring (Comment 138) : @Henkb (Comment 137) : thanks guys!
@50shadesofshark (Comment 133) : 1st scrum with Adriaanse on and we get a penalty for us
@50shadesofshark (Comment 140) : Creevy in from the side peyper says it’s fine and penalize us
@50shadesofshark (Comment 133) : JPP doing his first great thing tonight
@50shadesofshark (Comment 133) : Esterhuizen bumping guys a bit
@Henkb (Comment 143) : that explains creevy’s pass then 😀
@50shadesofshark (Comment 145) : Lol ja, they maybe batting for the same side
Good decisions to go for the 3 points!!!!
@50shadesofshark (Comment 145) : Jaguars now on a general team warning for infringement
Sharks 16 – 15 Jaguares
52 minutes.
Andrews on for Lewies, and one of the twins took contact without losing the ball.
@Henkb (Comment 144) : odwa still on?
@50shadesofshark (Comment 145) : Peterson nails the penalty we in the leaf now 16_15
16-15 Sharks lead
@50shadesofshark (Comment 151) : Jip, just go smoked by chasers now
@Bokhoring (Comment 151) : 1 beast 2 marais 3 adriaanse 4 oosthuizen 5 andrews 6 coetzee 7 jldp 8 vd walt?
@50shadesofshark (Comment 151) : Ndungane though have feet on him when he wants, almost created a great break out
Again we lose the ball in their 22!!!!!!!!
Handling is so poor. Now Esterhuizen knocks it.
Twinkletoes from Joe lead to a good break.
@50shadesofshark (Comment 151) : Esterhuizen showing the guys what it feels like when the buss is full
@Bokhoring (Comment 150) : Esterhuizen took over
There’s the Ginger Ninja get him on!!!!!!
@Henkb (Comment 153) : ?ir a los tiburones!!!!
@50shadesofshark (Comment 155) : We playing with ‘n bit more purpose now
And yet another time they lose the ball in the Argues 22!!!!
@50shadesofshark (Comment 163) : Sharks 16 – 15
Possession sure isn’t sacred for this team 🙄
@JD (Comment 163) : vd walt on at no8?
No hands tackle on cotzee
@Spirit of Rugby (Comment 167) : Nope, they will give it away freely
@byron (Comment 170) : penalty?
Sharks just cannot finish anything.
@50shadesofshark (Comment 168) : Not yet, warming up
@Henkb (Comment 174) : thanks.time left?
@50shadesofshark (Comment 171) : Willie also kicking a lot tonight, we are dangerous when we run not kicking
Sbu on for Odwa.
I like the Jaguares’ game 😎
OK let’s see what Sithole can do in place of Odwa!!!
@50shadesofshark (Comment 174) : 21 min, sith one on for ndungane, ginger ninja on for Dan Du preez
Ginger Ninja on as well.
@50shadesofshark (Comment 174) : Classes on for reinach
@Spirit of Rugby (Comment 177) : they sticking to their game plan better than the Sharks!!!
@50shadesofshark (Comment 174) : 21 minutes.
And Claasens as well.
Joe – You idiot!
@50shadesofshark (Comment 174) : I’m with the hound classes must start, first decent backing ball and we almost scoring in the cirner
Joe Pietersen cocked up a sure try by not passing
Ag fokkit Pietersen! 🙄
Joe takes a great gap but then does not pass with 2 players next to him.
@Spirit of Rugby (Comment 188) : Which one? JPP can say thank you now to the jags handeling slipped another tackle that would have been a sure try for them
Jags offloading and running well from another useless up and under.
On this evidence nothing has changed from last year
@Bokhoring (Comment 190) : 🙁
@Henkb (Comment 190) : Cooper on for Marais
Must say I think Marais had a good game.
@JD (Comment 182) : Gold made too much of this being a test match. We should just be playing super rugby.
@50shadesofshark (Comment 193) : 62 min no score change
@JD (Comment 195) : Most definitely was one of our better guys on the park tinight
@Henkb (Comment 190) : Take your pick
Just kidding. I thought Joe has actually been our stand-out player tonight.
How is jordaan playing?
@Kiss_the_Gold (Comment 192) : Only thing that changed tonight so far is the new kit we have
@50shadesofshark (Comment 200) : Very quiet tonight
@Spirit of Rugby (Comment 199) : I’m with you on both tonight
Unbelievable! 🙄
Sharks just cannot hang onto the ball.
We either loose the ball or the Argies take our ball 🙁 👿
To many errors near the Argues 22. Also to many one of runners causing turnovers!!!! Play together as a team!!!
@Ben (Comment 204) : Can we get super glue or Bostick as a sponsor please
Claasens just seems a calmer more composed scrummie. Surely must start next week
@Henkb (Comment 208) : Even prestick would suffice! 🙄
@Spirit of Rugby (Comment 199) : Joe is to deep tonight for me and kicking to much, should bring Willie and Paul more into play
67 min penalty to us, Joe going for poles
@Ben (Comment 210) : Very true
@Henkb (Comment 202) : thanks.
@Henkb (Comment 211) : Maybe that’s the Gold “test match” influence.
Sharks 19 – 15 Jaguares
68 minutes.
Sharks should really consider starting their seasons with their tour….rugby in Durban at this time of the year is simply unpalatable .
Sharks scrum starting to become dominant – leads to another penalty that Joe converts. 19-15
@50shadesofshark (Comment 214) : We should have taken the points in the 1st half, then we would have had these guys on the ropes
@Henkb (Comment 212) : maybe part of the gameplan?
Still think Andre should take the line kicks.
@FireTheLooser (Comment 217) : I like that idea.
@Bokhoring (Comment 221) : André starting to look like Fransie with those kicks
Super turnover by Esterhuyzen.
@50shadesofshark (Comment 220) : Maybe, hopefully will get us the win although we getting frustrated
@50shadesofshark (Comment 220) : Joe taking another shot at goal
Joe misses a shot at goal.
Joe can’t manage the penalty though.
Fark!!! It’s like nothing is going our way.
I hope the commentator gets a pain in his ass!!!!
@50shadesofshark (Comment 220) : Kick missed, sharks 19-15,73 min
Damnit
@50shadesofshark (Comment 220) : Sbu smoking the guy
Ninja is making a huge impression.
Marais back on?
5 minutes left.
@JD (Comment 230) : As?
@JD (Comment 230) : I mean AJ
Catch the fucking ball people! 🙄
Marcel gets a great turnover but the Sithole drops the ball.
@Ben (Comment 236) : Big defense needed now for the last minutes
This game reminds of the 2015 season, knock on knock on knock on knock on……..
Sharks need a try to close out this game.
Time?
Humidity is 80% in durbs and were below the dew temp… gands always going to struggle
The Argies don’t seem to have the same issues with the conditions as us.
Willie and sbu much better together since he came on
Jags getting away with some fancy moves in their 22.
Come on Sharks, one last giant effort
@50shadesofshark (Comment 244) : 1min lefy
1 minute left.
We have the ball inside their half.
Come boys
@50shadesofshark (Comment 244) : Time up, we win
Very lucky Sharks
Robotic comes to mind
FULL TIME
SHARKS 19 – 15 JAGUARES
Well done Sharks!!! Or shall I rather say very lucky!!!!
The players were far too tense. Look at their relief at the final whistle. I blame Gold for his silly test match comments.
I’m relieved
You lucky fish!!!!!
Sharks manage to squeeze out a victory. I will take the 4 points any day, but lots of work needed on keeping the ball in the tackle.
@Henkb (Comment 255) : thanks!
Done Sharks. Not well done, but done.
@JD (Comment 258) : Very lucky I think, if we took the points in the first half we would have had a better cushion and could the really play in the 2nd half
@Kiss_the_Gold (Comment 260) : might be.
Not pretty, but I’ll take the win against this Jaguars team….humidity made it a very difficult game.
Our lineouts and scrums showed a marked improvement. Handling from both teams suffered under the humid conditions.
Holy shirtballs, that was intense. I was looking at the Sharks coming out at the start of the game; sombre, intense, serious. They played terribly but trying for safety…just glad its a win in the bag
JL motm
@50shadesofshark (Comment 263) : At least you can watch the game later without the heart problems, and just be frustrated
@50shadesofshark (Comment 267) : think the team felt the pressure of the inportance of winning at home and the strenght of the opposition.
@FireTheLooser (Comment 267) : Are you at the game? Everyone is saying it isn’t humid.
Keep in mind the majority of this Jag squad played in the WC semi final. Getting the win is great.
@50shadesofshark (Comment 271) : Yes, must be, take nothing away from the argies, they are basically a full international side, so if you see it like that we were better tonight than Ireland, USA ext as they lost against the argies
@SeanJeff (Comment 269) : if that is true,than im a bit worried at what was the pre-game from the coaches.guys need to run out there enthused,energised,wanting to win- not afraid of losing.
@Bokhoring (Comment 273) : Just normal for us to get so worked up with the guys, as we know what they can do, and we want them to be the best all the time and thrash all our opponents
@Ben (Comment 272) : Nope….but I was in Durban yesterday, and I rained sweat through my skin. Both teams made lots of handling errors, so I suspect inside that stadium that it had to be quite greasy.
Well done Sharks. Need to work on our handling in humid conditions and ruck protection.
@Henkb (Comment 271) : yes,very true 😀
Great improvement in the lineouts and scrum again solid. Test will be next week against Ysterbeth.
@Bokhoring (Comment 280) : Should also be good next week, as Lewies was great in the line outs tonight, and Marais was throwing like a tracer bullet, Lewies just to get match fit
I really hope Mvovo is back next week, we missed him a lot tonight
The try to the Sharks from a maul and two to the Jaguares from turnover/loose play. Esterhuizen and Odwa looked off the pace and both du Preez’s butter-fingers. Why not get Esterhuizen to take kicks to sidelines? JP was lethargic and useless. Too much kicking, but especially by Joe.
@Henkb (Comment 265) : that was what they did so good last week but when pushing tonight they did not use their chances!
@Henkb (Comment 281) : must say I do think Marais had a huge game with his lineout work! The twins (think Dan) also took a couple of balls at the back. All in all good preparation for next week as the lineouts will really be difficult!
@Henkb (Comment 275) : yes,this was an important game .first one at home and against really tough opponents.so the team must have felt the pressure.glad about the win.will try and watch the game later.thanks for the updates.
@Bokhoring (Comment 280) : next week is going to be a hard game!
Gotta love the way those Argies move the ball!
I think S’bura is primed for a start next week. He’s physical in defence, and has the strength to run over those speed bumps the Stormers like to play out wide.
Subs put up their hands this week:
1) Claasens
2) Vd walt
3) Sithole
4) Andrews
Granted, Lewies and JPP are not match-fit but there were a few guys who really deserve to be benched next week.
@Culling Song (Comment 288) : personally after today I do think it’s time for Claasens and Sithole to start.
@Culling Song (Comment 289) : both van wyk and zas seem bigger wingers than what one has grown accustomed to from the stormers.
@The Great Couch Shark (Comment 289) : Claasens and Sithole is easy but who would you bench to play vd Walt and Andrews?
@50shadesofshark (Comment 291) : this week Paz next week Zas.
@Seth101 (Comment 269) : glad for the youngman but really not sure how that happend. May not be popular but I think Joe could have gotten it or even one of the Argies.
@JD (Comment 293) : 15 willie 14 sithole 13 jordaan 12 esterhuizen 11 mvovo 10 joe 9 claassens 8 vd walt 7 jldp 6 coetzee 5 lewies 4 oosthuizen 3 adriaanse 2 marais 1 beast subs schoeman cooper coenie andrews
@50shadesofshark (Comment 295) : jip that’s how I would go as well. If Mvovo is still out I would go with JPP.
I’m sure JPP and Odwa switched side during the game? Did anyone else see it or was I dreaming?
@JD (Comment 294) : Would have given it to Willie or Marcel. Willie seemed the only person who could handle the pressure in defense, and Marcel, made a lot of running meters as well as score a try.
I note jpp and Odwa switch. It was right after Odwa got completely outrun, imagine the coaching staff felt we needed more pace on his side
Although Sithole spilled a ball on attack he was great on defence and his speed is an asset on the field. The twins just seem to keen to offload and in this humidity it just doesn’t work. Van den Walt showed great maturity and love him there for the close of the game. Claasens also screams class and him and Reinarch need to swap Jersey numbers.
Good result by the sharks though. Lots of mistakes but still find a way to win against a very strong team. The atmosphere tonight had test match written all over it and couldn’t be more proud of the boys for grinding out that win.
@Henkb (Comment 125) : He’s a fully blown disaster. Compare his performance to what Faf did earlier. Those Lions are flippen lucky. Our game improved when Claasens came on though. Philip is just awesome. He must start against Province.
@Hulk (Comment 299) : yes that’s when it happened. Really like Odwa as a player and he has an awesome work rate and is a solid player, but for a lot of last week and most of today I must admit he seems a bit slow.
@GreatSharksays (Comment 301) : @Hulk (Comment 300) : to be honest Cobus had a very poor game. Personally I’d go for vd Walt at 8 (to replace either of the twins) Claasens at 9 and Sithole and/or Mvovo to start in place of Odwa on the wing.
JPP looked disinterested. Slipped a couple of tackles too.
The handling was ATROCIOUS by the Sharks in particular. The Jaguars didn’t seem to cough the ball up as much?
I say continue to try and find the off loads though. The next thing the coaches will instruct the guys not to off load at all then we are back in 2015 predictaBull bash mode. Uh uh.
Odwa is simply too slow, as much as I like him. A quicker wing could have scored that try that went begging when he was reined in from behind and may also have won the foot race to their try. A 14 point swing. We cannot afford that.
Reinach was dreadful.
I don’t think I saw Beast talk once?
I missed last week’s game and the two warm ups in France, but that game tonight was a carbon copy of the Sharks 2015 so I’m a little disappointed. I feel we went into our shells a bit, trying to play “test match” rugby.
4 points happily received though. Onwards, but the Stormers will be strong favourites next week now.
73% to 27% possession in our favour!
Almost 10 minutes playing against 13!
Lets be honest and admit we should have done much better here.
The positives:
But hey it’s a win when MANY were tipping the Jaguars to win and beating a new team at home and setting a proud precedent is important for the union’s history.
@Kiss_the_Gold (Comment 304) : @Kiss_the_Gold (Comment 305) : think you’re spot on. Last weeks game (against weaker opposition) was a lot better. They took their chances and ground the Kings down before hammering them the second half. Tonight they (and at the time I agreed with the decisions) decided to go for tries and paid as they did not score and the Argies stayed in the game. Over all it was a poor game by most of the Sharks players but like you said it’s a win and now to take on the Stormers in Capetown.
@Kiss_the_Gold (Comment 305) : another thing I forgot to add in both Super rugby games the Sharks kept their opposition scoreless in the second half. At least that shows they’re fit and play for the full 80min.
The team definitely needs to be congratulated for pulling of this win. Those Jaguares are going to be a serious problem and I’m glad we played them now versus from round 4 onwards. Few personnel changes will be required to get us back to top play. Philip is a Bok in the making, let’s unleash him on the Stormers. Claasens is top quality, his consistency and experience is much needed. Mvovo is our go to man…if he is still injured then Sbura must start. Willing to give JPP another chance ahead of Odwa . When are guys like Keegan, Bothma and Pots ready? Jean Luc is getting through a lot of work.
It’s important to remember that we are a work in progress. We will also get better as the competition goes on. The coach implemented a test match type of gameplan which probably had an influence on our mental preparation hence the slow pace of the game and numerous handling errors. The Lions took a long time to get to where they are now…lots of trail and error until they decided that this is their gameplan, this is how they play and they are going to stick to it. We should fully stick to our new gameplan or at least stick to the tempo. We played a very slow game which played into the Jaguares’ hands. Good luck to the teams that still need to play those Jaguares. Well to our boys for the win.
@GreatSharksays (Comment 308) : @GreatSharksays (Comment 309) : 100% correct. UST hope they can nail the Stormers next week!
@JD (Comment 307) : Now that is a statistic I’d like our boys to keep.
Think all things considered,we played really well. As always,some players played better than others,but that’s rugby. You definitely can’t say we had a boring gameplan,there was a lot of good running rugby,but the handling let us down. They still mixed it up with some good running rugby,some good and bad kicking and some great defense till the end. We played against a great team and we got the 4 points,that’s still good for me for now
Ok my ten cents about last nights game: First of all, it was really slippery at the Tank, but that is no excuse for all of the handling errors. Beast will get better at being captain, I also think that being captain has revitalized him and brought out a new intensity in him. Last year the boys couldn’t break the line even if the paid for it, now they are breaking the line almost at will, but you can see that it is a team full of guys that have hardly played together as the instinctive trust of knowing that someone is on your shoulder only comes from playing together for a while. So all in all it was not too bad a game. Lourens proved that he is ten times the scrummager that Coenie is also.
My 2c. Scrum looked way better with Adriaanse and Cooper. Vd Walt should start ahead of young du preez who doesn’t seem to know how to take a tackle or hold onto a ball. Reinach look ok but Claasens would be my starter for now. Joe did well missed the line a few times though. Line outs were not good at all Cooper should start again. As for wing can we please leave Odwa on the bench. All your heart and experience counts for nothing if every player in the opposition backline can outrun you. JP does not want to give his best for sharks anymore let’s move on. How many more seasons before we learn?
Lineout throws were way too high and deep. No clean takes and jumpers had to work hard to gather. Only deep throws. I saw only one bit of creativity doing the short throw. That needs some work. Joe did some pretty aimless kicks badly timed and distance.
Well done to the boys for grinding out a win. Lots of mistakes but a win at home is vital. JP was useless. The other guys had to cover his line a lot. Odwa was exposed for lack of pace but he gave 150% commitment unlike JP. The twins struggled with the slippery ball in contact but showed great intensity in the match unlike some senior guys. Remember they are only 20 and will improve.
The stats: http://bit.ly/1TiMkxB
I found the attacking and error stats especially interesting.
@sudhir (Comment 316) : I don’t think the twins were bad. But they need to learn how to take contact. They spill a lot no protecting the ball. Also they need to learn how to fall. They are big guys and it’s essential the control that else they will get injured too.
I like what the Du Preezs’ try to do in keeping the ball alive. We need this to continue. It’s so much harder to defend against. The risk now, after a game like this, is a coach like Gold who panics and regresses will tell these kids to go to ground and secure possession. The Kiwis love it when we do this. It’s the one area of his game a player like Marcell Coetzee can really improve on. Think Kieran Read…
But the above is different to the general spills and knock ons the Du Preezs largely seemed responsible for yesterday. Don’t know what happened there but early Super rugby games in Durban always seem to be like this?
Wow what a great one handed catch by Rabada! One of the best catches I have seen.
@coolfusion (Comment 314) : I agree that JP seems disinterested in playing for the Sharks. Rather put a player there who gives a rip…what about Johan Deysel? Tons of hunger. I would prefer to give that young hooker the start again and have Cooper in reserve to bring experience to a more critical stage of the game. If only because Cooper has been there many times before when the pressure mounts in the last 20 minutes. Marais is still a green-horn but from what i saw I had no complaints. I remember Hyron Andrews stealing a line-out after he came on. He’s looking good. I also agree that Reinach didn’t have his best game. I would have Claassens start with his composure and sense of timing and bring Reinach on later to mix things up.
It seems clear that the heavy emphasis on kicking was an imperative by the brains trust, but what worries me is, if the Sharks have a few bad games in a row then all creativity and playing what’s in front of them may disappear in favor of bashing and phases and penalty goals, and the constant kicking with no chasers to put any pressure on the opposition. That was the essence of Jake-ball. Kick & chase, kick & chase, get turnover and run in a try. It doesn’t work if you can’t put pressure on the opposition receiving the ball.
Jeez SA crumbled under the pressure in that last over! Rabada 2 wides, Berhardien cocking up a regulatory throw which would have seen a run out, Miller misfielding on the last ball… all a little too familiar for this team against the Aussies?….
@SeanJeff (Comment 323) : I’m very worried our coaching maestro is going to bottle it now and revert to type.
I feel Rob du Preez may have more of a say than a normal assistant and should gold want to reign in the creativity I feel rob will feel differently.
On saying that I think our coaches must see this new more expansive game plan as the style we need to play and will persist with it.
@Hulk (Comment 311) : me to.
@coolfusion (Comment 315) : must disagree on the lineouts. Although not perfect i do think Marais did a good job of hiting the jumpers. This weekend will be the big test for the Sharks lineout!!!
@Kiss_the_Gold (Comment 325) : @Hulk (Comment 326) : think the big problem was Sharks tried to “entertain” without doing the basics first. Firt put presure on your opponents by playing smart tactical rugby, then take the points that’s available by penalty goal kicks. Scoreboard and defensive presure was what made the difference in the first game and that did not happen last night.
All of that said i don’t think the 2015 Sharks would have won the game last night so well done to the current team for winning a very hard and difficult game!
@JD (Comment 329) : also got the feeling they weren’t always earning the right to go wide with the ball
@vanmartin (Comment 330) : that and a lot of one off running made it easy to lose balls in the attacking 22. Need to work on support running.
@vanmartin (Comment 317) : not bad but I think what was frustrating was where a lot of the errors were made. Losing 6-7 balls while attacking in your opponents 22 is frustrating and almost criminal as champion side will make you pay for not finishing those chances.
Some people are hard to please,we beat the team that beat the Boks last August and knocked Ireland out the World Cup.
We dominated that team for most of the game,but the Argies never lay down,their trys were opportunistic and aginst the run of play.
This is a great Sharks team,and there were very encouraging sign s on the field,Lewies looked great and lasted the game well.
The twins split a few balls but they made up for it with their work rate and raw power.It is easy to forget that these guys are only 20.
Although this was not a great game it was a great win.
So nice to walk away from K.P with a warm feeling again.
Lets hope that Gold doesn’t start to panic and tamper with this team.
@JD (Comment 332) : no argument there, lots of errors but it’s interesting that the Jags made them too. Tells us that the conditions were making it difficult for both teams.
The twins are a huge asset and I don’t feel the need to bench Dan because of some handling errors. They both need to work on their decision making regarding when to off load and when to go to ground but will take attempted off loads over none at all, any day of the week. Durbans humidity will subside and then those passes should be easier to hold on to.
@JD (Comment 332) : I think that you should reword that statement, we did play a champion side.There was a lot of humidity and dew on the ball,as it always in March in Durban.
This was a very good Jaguars side that have been in S.A for 5 weeks.
We never were pressed by them and had them on the blackfoot from the first kick of the game,
@vanmartin (Comment 334) : yes sitting at home it’s easy to miss that but that said they also practice in those conditions and should take care of it better.
Don’t get me wrong I’m not negative about the win I’m very pleased that they won, it’s just that they should have used their opportunities better.
@The hound (Comment 336) : no disrespect meant to the Argies as I do rate them as a very talented side but in all honesty currently they’re not a champion side. They still have a lot to learn and adapt to. Four yellow cards and a suspension in only two weeks is hardly champion material. They were very lucky that neither the Sharks or Cheetahs did not really nailed them for it as that’s what should have happened and will happen if they carry on with their poor discipline. Fact is regardless of the dew and other factors the Sharks should have finished more of their chances.
@Hulk (Comment 335) : think the Sharks will need a bit more maturity when they face the Stormers and that’s the only reason I’d play vd Walt. Twins also needs to be rested and rotated as they’re still young and they’re bodies also still needs to adapt to Super rugby.
Genuinely interested to know how Argentina are a “champion side”? What have they won? I think we should cool our jets until we see how they go against the NZ sides. That will be a true litmus test of just how champion they are.
I think any team, even against a NZ team, if you have 73% of the ball and most of the territory AND play against 13 for 10 minutes, it really should be a lot easier. Let’s not lose sight of the fact that the Sharks looked poor and disjointed on the night, and frankly very nervous and that’s taking nothing away from the Argie Bargies.
@Kiss_the_Gold (Comment 340) : I must agree. Also doing sort of ok against a floundering bok side does not make a champion either. I have no argument against the statement that we dominated. My concern is the lack of finishing. You can dominate all you like if you don’t convert it to points it’s remains just another empty statistic.
@Kiss_the_Gold (Comment 340) : @coolfusion (Comment 341) : that’s very true. Let’s just hope that this weekend when they play a side they know that it would be better.
@coolfusion (Comment 341) : This was almost same team that beat the Boks less than year ago and beat Ireland in the world cup. I ‘d say semi finals at the World Cup sort of qualifies you as a champion side.They have been in South Africa for 5 weeks and are totally acclimatised,longer than they spent in the U.K for the World Cup.
Did we or didn’t we win this game,so I would say we did convert the dominance to points.
We have a very young side,and as long as they are winning,I am not going to nit pick them.
We miss Patrick,and should stick with Claassens,Thomas and Botha to return,there is so much hope for this team.
@The hound (Comment 343) : very true a young side that won a very hard game that a lot of people said they had no chance of winning! Personally I think the problem was they showed show much promise that during the game the believe shifted from only winning the game to beat them with a bonus point and that did not happen so we as supporters were left wanting more.