The Sharks XV continue to make progress on the SuperSport Challenge Central Section log, with an impressive 32-5 victory over the previously undefeated Leopards at the weekend moving them up into third spot.
A heavy opening loss to Griquas set the scene for a disappointing campaign, but Paul Anthony and Ricardo Loubscher appear to have worked hard with their team and that work is steadily reaping dividends, with two bonus-point victories in as many weeks. Anthony’s forward pack laid a platform for victory on Saturday on a muddy Margate pitch, with the lineout drive proving a powerful weapon.
Benhard Janse van Rensburg opened the scoring with a penalty, before two carbon copy moves later in the first half saw flanker Jacques Vermeulen score a brace of tries off lineout drives. A Leopards try just before the break gave the scoreline some respectability, but the Sharks were only to build on that 15-5 advantage once the second period got underway.
Prop John-Hubert Meyer scored the hosts’ third early in the half and as the Leopards became increasingly desperate as the rain continued to fall, two yellow cards in quick succession effectively ended the contest. Vermuelen bagged a third, with hooker Kerron van Vuuren also getting onto the scoresheet.
The Sharks XV face a big challenge this weekend, though, hosting the Cheetahs in Ballito. They will have to do so with a weakened squad, though, as all of Vermeulen, Meyer, Janse van Rensburg – as well as Juan Schoeman, S’bura Sithole and Johan Deysel – have been called up to tour Singapore with the Sharks.
Sharks XV (32) – Tries Vermeulen (3), Meyer, van Vuuren. Penalty Janse van Rensburg. Conversions Janse van Rensburg (2).
Leopards (5): Try Mafura
Tweet
Nothing on Keegan? Still not good enough for SR?
Good job lads
I know he has experience but our younger flanks need to step up. Also what happened to Deysel (flank)?
@Dunx (Comment 3) : Jean is on loan at Munster for a couple of months
@robdylan (Comment 4) : Good to know, I hope he is getting back to match fitness, any news on how he is playing at the moment?
@Dunx (Comment 5) : it sounds like he is doing well there.
Well done, guys…
was this game broadcast (delayed) ?
glad we won, decent depth thats being tested now in the sr squad. interesting to see who comes into the squad then
Hi there Guys, I’m pretty new here, just one question for now, is there any update on Pat, I don’t want him rushed back into the team or something like that, just curious as to his well being currently, as he has been side lined before with concussion, is this precautionary as they doing at the kings with Cloete, or is there more to it
@Jaques (Comment 9) : Hi Jacques – welcome to the site.
The Sharks haven’t really said much about Pat yet, other than to indicate that he’s been stood down as a precautionary measure. My reading of the situation is that nobody seems to think this is particularly serious and he could well be back in action next week. Best to wait for the official word, though.
Seriously, if Pat got any form of concussion then I think its time for him to bid the game farewell.
@robdylan (Comment 10) : any news on how long ward and Ryno will be out also?
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 11) : I for one think that he should really start reconsidering, maybe enjoy a season / 2 in Japan make some yen and then maybe start looking into something like coaching / becoming a ref
@HB (Comment 12) : Jeremy is out for 6 weeks
Rhyno, not sure, but if it’s a pectoral muscle tear that’s probably his season
@robdylan (Comment 13) : pity about Ward and Smith! At least André will be back soon!