Sharks take final replay with 29-15 win over Bulls
The Sharks took revenge over their loss to the Bulls in last year’s Investec Super 14 final, with a 29-15 victory overnight.
The win over the defending champions, including the bonus point, has the Sharks in third place on the Super 14 table.
In a bruising encounter, the first 25 minutes were played in the Sharks half with their defence holding on, with only two penalties to the Bulls giving them a 6-0 lead. But the Sharks were able to make the most of Bull’s Danie Rossouw off the field for cynical play, putting Odwa Ndungane over from a well-worked play, with Rory Kockott converting, to give the Sharks a 7-6 lead at half time.
In the second half, it was a battle of the goal-kickers with Morse Steyn and Rory Kockett trading penalties, as well as a drop-goal to give the Bulls a 15-10 lead with ten minutes to play.
Bulls’ JP Nel was sent to the sin bin for a spear tackle on Sharks full-back François Steyn, and the Sharks made the most of the extra player and scored three tries in the space of seven minutes.
In his first Super 14 appearance, Frederic Michalak was over after fast hands from forwards and backs had him over close to the posts.
Against the run of play, Sharks replacement loose forward Jacques Botes snatched up the ball and raced down the left touchline, before passing to Keegan Daniel who was over with five minutes remaining.
Pouncing on a Bulls knock-on, Sharks’ Jacques Bote gave chase to his kick ahead and scored under the post to give his team a very sweet taste of revenge.
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