The Sharks XV got back to winning ways after holding off a spirited Boland Cavaliers side in a topsy-turvy Currie Cup clash in KwaMashu on Saturday.
Mike Vowles’ team held on for a 19-12 win after some late pressure from Hawies Fourie’s seasoned campaigners.
It didn’t take long for the match to spark into life, with prolific Cavaliers winger Jayden Bantom opening the scoring in the corner after successive penalties conceded by the home side.
That seemed to give the Sharks XV the kick they needed as they began playing their way into the contest, with Junior Springbok Luan Giliomee featuring prominently from fullback.
Just as the first quarter drew to a close, the Sharks XV hit back through another Junior Bok, Khuthi Rasivhaga, who intercepted and raced clear to score. Flyhalf Tim Swiel made no mistake with the conversion to put the hosts in front.
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Handling errors and a glut of penalties – 15 in total – disrupted the flow of the match and prevented either side from building sustained momentum.
Six minutes before the break, the Sharks XV extended their lead when lock Deon Slabbert crashed over under the crossbar after a superb line break from No 8 Tino Mavesere.
Swiel again made no mistake from the kicking tee as the Sharks XV took a comfortable 14-5 lead into half-time.
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The second half was a cagey affair and the next score only came in the 70th minute when Rasivhaga dotted down his second after relentless pressure on the Cavaliers. The visitors however got their second five minutes before full-time when Dewald Maritz crashed over the line.
The conversion took the deficit to a nervy seven points. The Sharks however held on to give the KwaMashu fans something to sing about.
It’s a short turnaround for Boland as they head to Johannesburg to face the Lions while the Sharks XV travel to Kimberley to take on log-leaders Griquas.
SHARKS XV – Tries: Khuthi Rasivhaga (2), Deon Slabbert. Conversions: Tim Swiel (2).
BOLAND CAVALIERS – Tries: Jayden Bantom, Dewald Maritz. Conversion: Ashlon Davids.
Photo: Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images
The post Swiel shines as Sharks outmuscle Cavaliers appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Sharks XV got back to winning ways after holding off a spirited Boland Cavaliers side in a topsy-turvy Currie Cup clash in KwaMashu on Saturday.
The post Swiel shines as Sharks outmuscle Cavaliers appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
