The Sharks scored seven tries in a well-deserved victory of 48-25 against the Boland Cavaliers in Durban after leading 22-13 at half-time on Friday.
The Sharks were dominant throughout and Gcobani Bobo looked dangerous on attack.
For the home side, scrumhalf Rory Kockott was once again a handful and he tested Boland’s defence to the full.
The Sharks were first to score when number eight Ryan Kankowski scored far out after poor defence by Cavaliers left wing Alvin Hugo and fullback Monray Liebenberg. Kockott succeeded with the conversion from the touchline.
Boland’s first points came in the 11th minute when flyhalf Lionel Cornelius succeeded with a penalty.
The home team increased its lead to 12-3 in the 12th minute when fullback Odwa Ndungane ran right through after more poor defence.
But five minutes later Boland struck back with a try by captain and flanker Henley du Plessis. In the 23rd minute, Kockott increased his side’s lead with a well-struck penalty.
Six minutes later flanker Keegan Daniel scored after Boland’s defence was once again caught in disarray. Kockott added the extra points.
But just before half-time Alvin Hugo scored for Boland after good work by the forwards to go into the break 13-22.
Keegan Daniel was the first to score in the second half when he dotted down for the Sharks’ bonus-point try. Kockott converted.
But Boland hit back soon afterwards when Hugo scored his second try after his forwards did well in setting up the move.
The Sharks increased their lead in the 46th minute when captain Jacques Botes went over for Kockott to convert at 36-18.
In the 56th minute it was centre Waylon Murray’s chance to cross the goalline to increase the score to 41-18. Kockott was once again spot on with the conversion.
Flyhalf Monty Dumond scored the Sharks’ seventh try in the 73rd minute with Kockott adding the conversion.
In the dying seconds Hugo scored his third try.
Isma-eel Dollie, who came on as a replacement late in the second half, succeeded with the conversion. — Sapa