Bismarck du Plessis made a greater individual contribution than Adriaan Strauss in Saturday's big game at Kings Park, writes JON CARDINELLI.

The set-piece honours were shared in the sense that neither the Sharks nor the Cheetahs managed to win their own ball consistently. Where both hookers were consistent was at the breakdown.

Du Plessis made some timely breakdown turnovers for the Sharks. Strauss also had a big impact at the rucks, and was on hand to make some important steals for his team.

But as the Sharks started to gather momentum in the second half, Du Plessis was the man who had the greater influence.

His spot tackle on Jean Cook not only knocked the Cheetahs flanker back, but stalled the visitors' momentum. The Cheetahs then conceded a penalty in their attempts to maintain possession, and the ensuing three points gave the Sharks a nine-point buffer.

Photos: Charl Lombard/Steve Haag/Gallo Images