The Sharks dug deep at Kings Park on Friday night to survive a red card and hand the Pumas their first Currie Cup loss of the season.
Tiaan Fourie (one try) and Fred Zeilinga (one conversion and three penalties) powered the Sharks into a 16-0 half-time lead against the defending champions. Zeilinga’s second-half penalty accounted for all the Sharks remaining points on the night as they were forced to tread water after losing two players – one permanently – with 30 minutes to go, and had to cling on to claim a 19-12 victory.
The hosts were quick out the gate, controlling territory and possession as they raced to a 13-point lead in the first quarter thanks to a sniping try from Fourie.
Defence was the story of the day as both sides struggled to show any attacking efficiency, and Zeilinga added another penalty on the brink of half time as the Sharks jogged off with a 16-0 lead.
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Shortly after the restart the hosts were reduced to 13 men, prop Dian Bleuler was sent to the bin for collapsing a Griquas attacking maul which led to a penalty try, and he was followed off by flanker Corne Rahl, red-carded for a headbutt.
Despite being two men down, the Sharks rallied in defence and managed to run down the clock, Zeilinga kicking one more crucial penalty for a 19-7 lead in the fourth quarter.
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The visitors came right back into the game when hooker Llewellwyn Classen dotted from a maul drive but ran out of time as they succumbed to their first defeat of their title defence.
Can the Sharks overcome a mighty task in toppling Top 14 leaders Toulouse? @mark_keohane and Zels make their Champions Cup picks. pic.twitter.com/uARZrk0xM9
— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) April 6, 2023
Photo: Gallo Images