Springbok lock AJ Venter was at his enthusiastic best in Durban on Friday night when he led a rampaging Sharks side (a Raggies side on the night) to a 14-try romp against the Leopards who were savaged to the extent of 70-5.
And Venter, here, there and everywhere, helped himself to four of those tries as well as playing the assistant in several others, three of which went to impressive eighth man Jacques Botes.
Furthermore, the Sharks’ second side (the Great Whites) got a five-to-two try account against the Leopards in a 25-10 win, while in an early game between two Sharks teams the score was 35-30.
That gave Sharks coach Dick Muir every reason to smile broadly on a night of running rugby.
No kicks were taken at goal.
At the end of it all, Muir said: ”Generally I was most impressed with the enthusiasm and skills on display. Everyone played pretty well and we learnt a lot about our depth of exciting talent.”
Muir singled out Scott Mathie as his player of the night from a Sharks perspective. But it must have been a close call with AJ Venter and fellow lock Albert van den Berg playing well too.
Also singled out by the coach were hooker Jody Jenniker, wing Dusty Noble, Solly Tyibilika and Andries Strauss, and several others also showed excellent pre-season form.
The Sharks — playing as the Raggies and the Great Whites respectively — ran well, passed exceptionally and created many fine openings with innovative play and strong finishing.
Muir will take a squad of 36 players to meet the Bulls at Sun City in two games on Saturday and then a further two against the Cats at Rustenburg a few days later. — Sapa