In a surprisingly lackluster display packed with Springboks, the Sharks managed only a tepid triumph over the Scarlets, clinching a 29-19 win in their latest United Rugby Championship encounter at Kings Park Stadium. Despite showing a scrum dominance, many of the Sharks' big names didn't quite light up the scoreboard as expected. Here’s how the players fared:
The Sharks' backline had a mixed outing. Jordan Hendrikse, while solid with his boots, failed to ignite any significant threat offensively, scoring a mere 6. Edwill van der Merwe, transitioning from the Lions, hasn't found his groove yet, also earning a 6. Centre Lukhanyo Am seemed off pace from his World Cup-winning form, making costly errors to score a 5. Andre Esterhuizen, however, bulldozed through, ending the game as a top metre maker and the standout back with a 7. Wing Ethan Hooker's aerial prowess earned him a 7, despite limited chances with the ball.
Jean Smith, stepping in for Siya Masuku, showed composure for the most part, marred only by a charged-down kick, fetching a 6. Scrum-half Grant Williams performed his core duties well, contributing with effective box-kicking, also scoring a 6.
The forwards saw some robust performances. The Tshituka brothers, Emmanuel and Vincent, both put in strong shifts, each earning a 7. Siya Kolisi’s momentary dash reminiscent of his peak form was a highlight, earning him a 7. Marvin Orie and Eben Etzebeth managed the lineouts and added grit, but couldn't escape the mediocrity, both scoring 6.
Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, a replacement for Vincent Koch, impressed with his scrummaging and even crossed for a try, earning a 7. Bongi Mbonambi and Ox Nche were pivotal in the scrum, with Nche being particularly dominant, meriting the player of the match with an 8.
The replacements played their part in stifling any momentum from the Scarlets, with Jurenzo Julius being notably dynamic off the bench, scoring a 6.
"We did what was necessary but there’s room for improvement. It’s about taking those chances,"
noted one of the Sharks' coaches post-match, reflecting a sentiment of mild dissatisfaction despite the victory.
This performance poses questions about the Sharks' ability to compete at the highest level, especially with John Plumtree still ‘under pressure’ to deliver consistent and compelling results.
2,193 posts
In a surprisingly lackluster display packed with Springboks, the Sharks managed only a tepid triumph over the Scarlets, clinching a 29-19 win in their latest United Rugby Championship encounter at Kings Park Stadium. Despite showing a scrum dominance, many of the Sharks' big names didn't quite light up the scoreboard as expected. Here’s how the players fared:
The Sharks' backline had a mixed outing. Jordan Hendrikse, while solid with his boots, failed to ignite any significant threat offensively, scoring a mere 6. Edwill van der Merwe, transitioning from the Lions, hasn't found his groove yet, also earning a 6. Centre Lukhanyo Am seemed off pace from his World Cup-winning form, making costly errors to score a 5. Andre Esterhuizen, however, bulldozed through, ending the game as a top metre maker and the standout back with a 7. Wing Ethan Hooker's aerial prowess earned him a 7, despite limited chances with the ball.
Jean Smith, stepping in for Siya Masuku, showed composure for the most part, marred only by a charged-down kick, fetching a 6. Scrum-half Grant Williams performed his core duties well, contributing with effective box-kicking, also scoring a 6.
The forwards saw some robust performances. The Tshituka brothers, Emmanuel and Vincent, both put in strong shifts, each earning a 7. Siya Kolisi’s momentary dash reminiscent of his peak form was a highlight, earning him a 7. Marvin Orie and Eben Etzebeth managed the lineouts and added grit, but couldn't escape the mediocrity, both scoring 6.
Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, a replacement for Vincent Koch, impressed with his scrummaging and even crossed for a try, earning a 7. Bongi Mbonambi and Ox Nche were pivotal in the scrum, with Nche being particularly dominant, meriting the player of the match with an 8.
The replacements played their part in stifling any momentum from the Scarlets, with Jurenzo Julius being notably dynamic off the bench, scoring a 6.
"We did what was necessary but there’s room for improvement. It’s about taking those chances,"
noted one of the Sharks' coaches post-match, reflecting a sentiment of mild dissatisfaction despite the victory.This performance poses questions about the Sharks' ability to compete at the highest level, especially with John Plumtree still ‘under pressure’ to deliver consistent and compelling results.