Sensational Sharks surge into semis
17 May 2008
The Sharks saved their best performance of the tournament for when it mattered most, decimating the Chiefs 47-25 in Durban.
The victory ended the Stormers’ hopes of a play-off place and sets up a trip to Sydney where they’ll face the Waratahs.
There really are no words to describe this performance. Sublime would fail to capture it, while stupendous doesn’t describe their excellence on the night. They go into the semi-final as the underdogs but you sense they won’t mind that billing. After this display there’ll be a deeply-rooted belief that they can beat anybody.
The Sharks came into this match needing to win with a bonus point or by more than 18-points if they hoped to pip the Stormers on points difference. At half-time they had made significant strides towards achieving that goal by leading 21-8 and crucially needing just one more try for the bonus-point.
The Chiefs looked a ragged and demoralised unit who had one foot on the plane back to New Zealand. They were unstructured and rudderless on attack, which suited the Sharks as they often isolated themselves, allowing the hosts a crack at turning over possession.
The Sharks, conversely, where clinical in every facet of play.
All the midweek talk from Durban was about patience and backing their skills through a number phases, before looking to get their backline in the game.
They executed that plan accurately, which must be complimented, given the temptation to revert to an expansive approach in search of four tries. And they were rewarded for that approach in scoring their first try.
The Sharks pounded up through 11 phases, sucking in the Chiefs’ defenders. The ball found Ruan Pienaar who cut through a porous defensive line.
They also enjoyed complete dominance at scrum time, which gave their backline a superb platform from which to launch. Defensively that dominance aided them as well, with the Chiefs’ backline routinely being fed with scrappy ball.
Despite this, the visitors still looked to attack, but with the Sharks’ defensive line putting immense pressure on them space was at a premium.
Chiefs centre Callum Bruce coughed up the ball under exactly this sort of pressure, and it was fly hacked ahead by Pienaar. Lelia Masaga made an absolute hash of collecting the pill. Jacques Botes dumped himself on it before the ball was recycled to Adi Jacobs, who powered over the tryline from close range.
The Chiefs hit back just before half-time through Faifili Levave, but conceded immediately, Brad Barritt collecting an up-and-under that was allowed to bounce in the Chiefs 22m and dished out to Bismarck du Plessis who cruised home.
The Chiefs changed their approach and kept the ball closer after the break, seeking to build through the phases. The tactic proved very successful and they profited from it – Mils Muliaina scoring after his side had taken the ball through 10 phases.
But that’s as good as it got for the Hamilton franchise, as the Sharks put on an exhibition of the attacking play.
They scored four tries, the pick of which was Ryan Kankowski’s second, which was birthed in their own 22m and was marked by interplay of the highest order.
The Sharks management have maintained that when it clicks for their side they’ll be unstoppable. And boy, did it click tonight. Whether this performance can be replicated in a week remains to be seen, but if they even come close to touching the ceiling of their ability they’ll have an opportunity to avenge their heart-breaking loss in last year’s final.
Sharks - Try: Ruan Pienaar, Adi Jacobs, Bismarck du Plessis, Steven Sykes, Ryan Kankowski (2), Odwa Ndungane. Conversion: Rory Kockott (6)
Chiefs - Try: Faifili Levave, Mils Muliaina, Viliame Waqaseduadua. Conversion: Stephen Donald (2). Penalty: Donald (2).
By Ryan Vrede
297 Comments
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17 May 2008, 23:48 pm
YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY
18 May 2008, 02:50 am
Great games boyz!!! “Sensational!” I just hope that they realise that a lacklustre first half like that would be punished by better sides in a playoff…. Anyway… they must be feeling a lot better heading to Sydney… Still no Pietersen try – every time he touched the ball he messed up!
18 May 2008, 02:51 am
awesome stuff sharkies, go make us proud.
my stormers can be pleased with their season even if there is disappointment at not making the finals. a trip to christchurch would not have been worth the airmiles in my opinion. next year we will see what they can really do as i am sure rassie will build on this year, and get a few more decent props in.
18 May 2008, 03:13 am
#253 munkiboi:
Yes, iIabout it again…if the Stormers couldn’t pull it off against the wooden spooners in SA there is no point in them going to a semi overseas.
They chokesd end of story.
18 May 2008, 03:14 am
#254 Pietman:
“I thought about it again…..”
18 May 2008, 03:15 am
#169 church – like chch but pronounceable:
My top 5 at the beginning of the season…in no particular order were.
Crusaders
Canes
Blues
Waratahs
sharks
18 May 2008, 03:19 am
#174 CoachPete:
Peaking or peaked?
One good game does not mean they are peaking…could be the final they have just played.
One thing that was evident was the worrytahs defence and it was better yesterday than against the sharks. Worrytahs wont give the sharks such freedom.
18 May 2008, 03:26 am
Well got up this morning and surprise surprise……………………..Canes still alive.
Congratulations to Crusaders, Waratahs and Sharkies. All worthy finalists.
The the fans of the vanquished. Commiserations.
To those supporters who feel disappointed…………each Nation has a Team to support, get in behind. What is done is done.
To Loffie and his Pride…….thanks.
To those who spit venom at the Lions………………….grow up. Every team had 13 games to get the required points.
18 May 2008, 03:29 am
#255 Pietman:
The contenders who missed out…………Brokebacks, Chiefies and Blues would ALL have been worthy Finalists. This was perhaps the most competative year of Super Rugby yet. But that’s life.
18 May 2008, 03:31 am
#250 Sheriff:
Good to see some good sports still out there.
18 May 2008, 03:39 am
#253 munkiboi:
Well said.
18 May 2008, 03:39 am
#260 cane:
Well done, your boys are very good this year and they are worthy contenders.
All of the best for the rest of the games, gonna be close..
18 May 2008, 03:40 am
And lastly (I promise).
Brokebacks, Chiefies and Blues gave all their supporters plenty of GREAT entainment during the comp. What more can you ask for………reallly.
(yes, yes i know)
18 May 2008, 04:26 am
What a great Super 14 this year it has been so tight bar the Crusaders I have really enjoyed myself not knowing who will make the final four.At least one NZ side will be in the Grand Final.I hope the Crusaders.
18 May 2008, 04:40 am
This year, there can be NO doubts about this S14 competition, or the teams which have reached the semi-finals, have all done so on merit.
Yes, we all have a preference (every real Rugby person, should support thier own team, that is part of what makes Rugby so wonderful), when it comes to which teams we want to reach the top four, but like myself (a woefull Highlander), we must be content with the fact, that our team was not “Good Enough” this year and next year will find them (hopefully) much improved.
So, we can look forward to at least 2 weeks more of great Rugby, all be it of a lessor quantity, but surely NOT lessor quality.
The Sharks will need to be at thier best in order to beat the Worrietahs in thier home turf and the Hurrycanes will, I know, look to better thier previous outings against the Crusaders (which, by the way, my guys managed a win over (just thought to mention that) at this level.
My feeling is “let the best teams win” on the day, but should it end with a final of the Crusaders against the Sharks, I for one, could hope for nothing better, because I firmly believe that they have the best teams of the competition and what a final S14 game that should be.
However, we will have to wait and watch, but as a Rugby man, most of all HOPE that things pan out that way…..That`s Rugby and That`s why I like it!.
As with the New South African coach……….I only have this comment……Let him do what he feels is best, wait untill the season is over, before you all judge him inadequate!..
18 May 2008, 04:53 am
#246 MerckZ:
No denying AJ still has good games but I think he lost his ‘get up and go’ somewhat last year when he wasn’t selected for the Boks. A great pity that was.
AJ will always be one of the best.
18 May 2008, 04:57 am
OCO, Palu (Waratahs) flooring AJ a few weeks ago in Sydney was an absolute classic. AJ most definately lost his ‘get up and go’ after that hit.
18 May 2008, 06:44 am
Well done Sharks. As a Stormers supporter I am disappointed but you deserve the place considering the rugby that you played agaist the Chiefs. If you keep that up you have a chance against the now human Crusaders. Our losses to the Bulls and Sharks cost us more than we realised at the time!
18 May 2008, 07:00 am
Well done Sharkies, now go make us proud…our beloved Stormers just didnt do enough, but what an improvement over last year! Watch the Currie Cup…
18 May 2008, 08:08 am
instead of disrespecting the stormers, some of you should rather give some credit to the lions, they have come a long way in their last two games. they have the makings of a good side.
18 May 2008, 08:28 am
jock38 a good side plays good rugby, the Lions on the other hand will be known for their negative display -
18 May 2008, 08:29 am
Morning all
Firstly, rangerman, GirlShark, 4man and the rest of the Sharks fans, very well done. I was right behind you guys last night. Not because I abandoned my beloved Stormers but because I could see that my team was finished yesterday. I thought they were very gutsy towards the end but there was nothing left in the tank, the long season finally caught up with us. Therefore, I think the Sharks will make a better fist of it in the playoffs.
You guys were awesome yesterday and fully deserve your 3rd spot.
To my Stormers and Rassie, guys hats off, what a great season. Nobody gave us a chance before the season began but we ended in 5th position. A few additions to the squad next year and who knows, we may go all the way. Well done boys….
18 May 2008, 09:20 am
Finally, the Sharks have shown their true colours. The thing that pleases me the most is that they did it without Frans Steyn, who is the most selfish player in South African rugby at the moment. They boy has talent but he needs to learn to play with the rest of the team and not taking everything on his shoulders.
I was ready to kick him out of the country last week before half time against the Cheetahs, because I was having flashbacks of the final last year when all he needed to do was kick it out.
DM must not change this starting lineup, put Frans Steyn on the bench so that he can see how well the Sharks play without him. Hopefully, he will realise how to pass (to his own teammates, the only time he really passed in the Brumbies game was an intercept), how to kick the ball out of play and how to play with the rest of his teammates.
Congratulations to the Sharks, hopefully we can carry on this good vein of form and crush the Waratahs and either the Crusaders or Hurricanes. Hopefully the Hurricanes because then it’ll be back in Durban.
18 May 2008, 10:30 am
#268 DaveB: Thanks Dave, but I believe on current form that it just might be a final between the Cane’s and Sharkies. The last 5 weeks the Crusaders have been very ordinary.
18 May 2008, 10:31 am
#273 GAStman: Could not agree with you more. I hope Steyn is not going to be in the Springbok side until he develop some brains
18 May 2008, 10:34 am
Don’t get too excited chaps – the Sharks beat a mediocre Chiefs side who had little reason to win…the Waratahs at home are going to be a TOTALLY different story.
18 May 2008, 11:17 am
#272 Tony Moneo:
Well said Sir Tony !
18 May 2008, 11:19 am
#271 rugby_only:
Hehehehe!!
Don’t start that again, the Transvalers both sides of the Jukskei really went for me on that point last night.
18 May 2008, 11:25 am
@ 4 and at @4 LMFAO.
18 May 2008, 12:03 pm
Kanko in Bok team. Well done the Sharks. Now go get those Tah’s
18 May 2008, 12:34 pm
The Chiefs were awful!!!
Nothing in attack or defense.
18 May 2008, 12:41 pm
Anyone want to watch Finals style rugby…watch the waratahs game. The worrytahs defence was immense. Very well marshalled.
I think the sharks will suffocate.
18 May 2008, 12:45 pm
The team that played yesterday should be the team that play in the Semis and finals with Steyn coming in off the bench in place of Andries Strauss.
Steyn on current form isn’t good enough to start IMO. Barrit is the General in that back line.
Jacobs always looks like he’s going to create something
Both wings are solid (especially Ndungane)
Terblanche has saved our arses on so many occasions… So to drop any of these players would be ridiculous!
Unfortunately **** has said before that “Steyn is so talented that we have to find a place for him on the field”
Queue all the people from the Grey Bloem area to have a go at me!
18 May 2008, 12:49 pm
Queue = kue
18 May 2008, 12:51 pm
or is that cue… My head is paining me..
18 May 2008, 13:01 pm
Stand in a queue.
Be on cue.
18 May 2008, 13:03 pm
yap BMT, i too am suffering today. i was so excited yday that i was doing a lap of honour every time we scored a try. stupid beer.
18 May 2008, 13:30 pm
#286 Jinx da Lynx:
That’s my Que………………..Tahs to dine on shark fin Soup next week!
18 May 2008, 13:43 pm
#288 cane:
Que = Cue.
Sorry to all the pointy heads.
18 May 2008, 15:12 pm
Sharks are starting to fire at the right time. Warathas didn’t look that good against the Reds or Stormers.
18 May 2008, 17:43 pm
From a stormers/wp supporter, I’d like to congratulate the sharks on pipping us to the semi final post, it was close, but in the end I think that the sharks deserved to be in the semi more than the stormers do unfortunately. IMO the stormers are just quite not ready for the semis at this stage of this team’s evolution.
I really appreciated Johan Muller’s comments at the post match interview where he said what a pity it was that the stormers couldn’t make it and he even seemed to be genuine about what he was saying, not just rattling off the usual post match cliches.
All I can say is . . . go sharks!!
The whole of SA is behind you.
18 May 2008, 18:17 pm
If the Sharks play like they did last night the Tahs have no chance nor the Saders or the Canes for that matter. Sharks were just fantastic last night. Agree, whole of SA is behind you now.
18 May 2008, 18:24 pm
Well done Sharkies, you played your best game yet this season…….. when it mattered most……….
Gaan looi die Tahs met dieselfde mindset…. Tahs kan maklik geklop word, Bulls het dit skaars 3 weke terug gedoen, Stormpies het gelykop gespeel met hulle……….. Goooooooooooi SA Mielieeeeeeeeeesssssssss !
19 May 2008, 07:01 am
Pleeeze **** leave the team as it is except for Frans on the bench, to be brought on with 20 minutes to go.
Burden, Deysel, Albert, Daniels, Carstens and Steyn all coming on with 20 to go will be awesome for the Sharks.
19 May 2008, 07:37 am
It’s strange that the first time Steyn misses a game for the whole season, the sharks fire on attack, there are lots of comments above regarding Steyn and most of them are negative.
There have been rumours coming out of the sharks camp hinting that there is an unhappiness amongst the players with Steyn’s cavalier approach to the game.
Muir has often been quoted saying that he won’t be reigning in Steyn’s unpredictable approach to the game, but perhaps it’s time to start channeling Steyn’s obvious talents within a more structured framework? His individualism seems to have hampered the sharks this season IMHO.
19 May 2008, 09:06 am
So many on this side took Pienaar appart over the last few months. I have always maintained that the boys is claas and if given the chance to play regularly in one possition he will regain his form.
He was sublime over the weekend when it mattered. We done Ruan, show the boneheads who is boss.
Real talent will always be cretisised most in SA. Now it seems that poor Steyn is next.
Goodluck to the sharks! I think they will win the S14. Peaking at the right time!
19 May 2008, 09:29 am
My prediction is that Ruan Pienaar will be our no.10 at the 2011 RWC in NZ.
You heard it here first folks!!
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