Sharks feast on Leopards
1 Oct 2010
JON CARDINELLI reports on the Sharks’ resounding 63-6 victory over the hapless Leopards in Durban.
The fact that the hosts were missing several stars didn’t seem to matter. They were full value for their top-of-the table standing, securing the four-try bonus inside the first quarter.
The forwards were unstoppable at the set-pieces while Craig Burden and Keegan Daniel stood out with ball in hand. Daniel scored the Sharks’ first two tries thanks to a magnificent display of speed and skill, while Burden’s powerful carrying lent his side terrific momentum. The hooker also had a telling hand in the fourth score, rounding a midfield defender and then offloading to Louis Ludik on the angle.
It was a terrific and clinical display, but unfortunately one the Sharks’ failed to sustain. Having scored the fourth try in the 20th minute, they relaxed, dropping their concentration and intensity. The accuracy level dipped as they botched several try-scoring opportunities.
Charl McLeod’s penetrative running from the base finally paid dividends when a 40th minute break culminated in a a try for Odwa Ndungane. It was as much a show of the Sharks’ attacking threat as was an example of poor Leopards’ defence at the breakdown.
The visitors’ weren’t competitive enough at the breakdown and a clinical cleanout by the Sharks forwards so often resulted in quick ball. The men in black also showed a willingness to keep ball in hand, and flyhalf Andre Pretorius was especially efficient as a distributor, unleashing the wide men to run at the soft Leopards’ defence.
The Sharks have already secured a semi-final place, and this win ensures that fixture will be played in Durban. If WP lose to the Blue Bulls on Saturday, the Sharks will host the Currie Cup final should they progress past the semis.
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21 Comments
1 Oct 2010, 22:16 pm
sharks will win CC
1 Oct 2010, 22:33 pm
Keegan Daniel surely has to tour with the Boks at the end of the year? He’s in awesome form at the moment.
2 Oct 2010, 01:04 am
WP will win the CC
2 Oct 2010, 03:16 am
@stand-off(Braders)-2:
What due to Currie Cup form?
The Currie Cup standards are a joke even the Australian club scene has better defense and more enterprising play!
2 Oct 2010, 08:25 am
Who cares which team finishes where on the log!
History has shown us that anything can happen in a semi, especially when the Bulls’ Boks are back. They are going to take some stopping.
Can’t wait for 15:00…
2 Oct 2010, 09:04 am
Cheetahs will beat the Sharks in the Semi’s and final will be in Cape Town.
2 Oct 2010, 09:30 am
6 – HGL,
Cheetahs still have to beat Lions to make the semi. My feeling Lions could beat the Cheetahs today.
2 Oct 2010, 10:10 am
I fell of my couch when I saw the results,,,
2 Oct 2010, 10:19 am
Stand off – Aussie club rugby is sh*t, does not even compare.
Cheetahs will take it today and book their semi.
Semi’s will be Sharks – Bulls and WP – Cheetahs…
2 Oct 2010, 10:25 am
This Sharks team has been on the up since the second half of the Super 14. They will take some beating. On the other hand, it looks like Province will have to look into the eyes of hell to win the Currie Cup: Bulls and Sharks over two weekends, AND THEN PROBABLY MEETING THEM AGAIN IN THE PLAYOFFS!
2 Oct 2010, 11:24 am
@rugbyprof(rugbyprof)-5:
You are correct. Anything can happen and the Bulls are the only South African team to consistently perform when it counts.
Nervous times ahead foe me and The Sharks.
2 Oct 2010, 11:42 am
The Sharks will host the CC final, so all the rest, especially those WePee fantasists, just let go of that hosting wet dream….
2 Oct 2010, 12:04 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-12
Hosting a CC final is one thing.
Winning it – well, that’s something totally different.
2 Oct 2010, 12:07 pm
@grant10(grant10)-1:
You’ve gone soft.
Maybe the speedos too tight.
2 Oct 2010, 12:18 pm
@I am a stormer(I am a stormer)-13:
How do you feel about your team’s chances against the Blue Balls?
2 Oct 2010, 12:27 pm
@Great White Shark(Predawn)-15:
Very nervous, especially being at Loftus.
Province don’t have a great record there. But if get on the front foot early and are able secure possession, the job can be done.
I look to our loosies and midfield, however, to dominate as the match goes on.
2 Oct 2010, 14:55 pm
go province!!! wen die stofkoppe
2 Oct 2010, 15:15 pm
Good luck manne.
2 Oct 2010, 15:17 pm
Anyone know of a stream for the Bulls match? Thanks.
2 Oct 2010, 15:28 pm
Did you see that!!
2 Oct 2010, 15:34 pm
Live updates?
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