The Sharks had to rely on their mauling abilities and the finishing of star flank and man-of-the-match Jacques Botes to overcome a valiant Boland Kavaliers 38-13 at the Absa Stadium On Friday night.
Botes scored two crucial tries towards the end of each half as he found himself in possession at the back of a pack of powerful forwards.
His first try, coming with just minutes left in the first half, gave the Sharks a narrow 11-10 half-time lead, while his second in the 68th minute gave the Sharks a nine-point advantage and some breathing room.
The scoreline suggests it was an easy win, but in truth it was far from it, with only two late tries from former under-21 captain Riaan Swanepoel and then wing Henno Mentz ensuring the Sharks secured the
full five points.
With Boland not really expected to give the Sharks a run for their money and with the weather looking ominous, just over 11 000 faithful fans turned up to show their support.
The Sharks came into the encounter as firm favourites, but in the first period they were shocked into submission by the gallant Kavaliers.
Without injured vice-captain and flyhalf Brad Barritt, the up-and-coming Andrew Borgen got his first start and showed glimpses of talent.
However, he never managed to get the backline flowing and was replaced by the more experienced Monty Dumond in the 50th minute.
Dumond only joined the Sharks in training on Monday but played at flyhalf for the Sharks on several occasion in last year’s Currie Cup. His added value as an adept goal-kicker was apparent when he slotted two penalties and three conversions.
The second penalty came midway through the second half as Boland captain and centre Piet van Zyl was yellow carded for repeated infringements and replacement Angelo Brinkhuys was sent to the sin-bin, consigning the Kavaliers to defeat.
Boland managed to get three points back but when Botes went over for his second try to take the score to 22-13 with the successful conversion to follow, it was all over for Boland. – Sapa