The Sharks exacted the ultimate
revenge on Western Province as they romped to a 33-19 victory in Saturday’s
Currie Cup Final at Newlands.
The visitors rattled the previously unbeaten hosts when they got off to a
perfect start and proceeded to outsmart and outmuscle the defending champions.
The Sharks were streets ahead with their tactical kicking and decision-making,
which put Western Province under immense pressure, dominated the line-outs and
won the collisions.
In doing so, they exorcised the demons of last year’s home Final defeat and
condemned Western Province to the same heartache they experienced in 2012.
There were a number of stars for the Durban-side,
but none shone brighter than Charl McLeod at scrumhalf and 21-year-old
Pieter-Steph du Toit at No.5.
Quintin van Jaarsveld rates
the Sharks players.
15 SP Marais
Outstanding positional play, got good distance with his kicking out of hand and
lethal on attack. He has a bright future ahead of him.
8/10
14
Odwa Ndungane
A calming presence at the back whose experience came to the fore in the
Newlands pressure-cooker. Exemplary with his kick-chase and competing in the
air.
7/10
13
Louis Ludik
An absolute defensive wall. The fact that he’s a natural fullback made his
resolute and aggressive defence at outside centre - against the Springbok
captain - all the more impressive.
7.5/10
12
Frans Steyn
Did most of his damage on defence where he made some massive hits and secured a
textbook penalty at the breakdown. Pure class.
8/10
11
Lwazi Mvovo
Used his pace to get around defenders and scrambled well on defence to get the
Sharks out of some tricky situations.
7/10
10
Pat Lambie
Disappointing off the tee with three missed penalties and a missed conversion
but other than that he was sublime. He took the responsibility upon himself and
while he made one or two errors, he dictated terms. His kicking out of hand and
restarts (bar one) were pinpoint accurate and he slotted two drop-goals
8/10
9
Charl McLeod
A bona fide match winner! An influential figure in the thick of things from the
get go. Great vision to snatch an intercept try and to score his second, quick
to the ruck and varied his play expertly, with his attacking chips over the top
causing problems for Province.
9/10
8
Keegan Daniel (captain)
Led his team well, was full of zest, played a good roaming role and was a good
link between the forwards and backs with some good touches.
7.5/10
7
Willem Alberts
A human wrecking ball whose uncanny ability to smash over the gainline time and
time again was invaluable. Also made some huge hits including one on Schalk
Burger.
8/10
6
Marcell Coetzee
A tireless workrate, especially on defence where he tackled everything that
moved, and showed impressive leg strength with ball in hand.
7.5/10
5
Pieter-Steph du Toit
Proved that he’s the next big thing in South Africa with his vigorous play on
the biggest stage of his young career. Pivotal in the line-outs, exceptional at
the restarts and strong with ball in hand.
9/10
4
Peet Marais
Solid all-round and stole a line-out against the throw.
7/10
3
Jannie du Plessis
Although he conceded a scrum penalty, he formed part of a dominant Sharks scrum
in the first half. Poor defence as highlighted by his missed tackle on Damian
de Allende. Perhaps not 100 percent.
6/10
2
Bismarck du Plessis
Showed why he’s South Africa’s premier hooker with a telling all-round
performance. Solid in both the scums and line-outs, abrasive on attack and
defence and a nuisance on the deck.
8/10
1
Tendai Mtawarira
Maintained a solid workrate throughout the 80 minutes and held up his end of
the scrum.
7.5/10
Replacements:
16
Kyle Cooper (on
for B du Plessis, 80th minute)
Not enough time to be rated.
17 Wiehahn Herbst (on for J du Plessis, 44th
minute)
Conceded a scrum penalty where the Sharks lost ascendency when Du Plessis went
off.
6/10
18
Stephan Lewies (on
for P Marais, 59th minute)
A satisfactory cameo in which he made no glaring mistakes.
6.5/10
19
Jacques Botes (on for Alberts, 75th minute)
Not enough time to be rated.
20 Cobus Reinach (on for McLeod, 65th minute)
Not enough time to be rated.
21 Fred Zeilinga
Not used.
22 Heimar Williams (on for Steyn, 72nd minute)
Not enough time to be rated.
