Sale Sharks asserted their authority with a convincing 26-10 bonus-point victory over their South African namesakes in freezing conditions at the AJ Bell Stadium. The Durban-based Sharks struggled to find rhythm in their EPCR Challenge Cup clash.
The visitors drew first blood in the ninth minute when Siya Masuku split the posts with a penalty, giving the Sharks an early 3-0 lead. However, Sale responded swiftly. In the 11th minute, the English side struck from a powerful maul, spreading the ball wide. Although the final pass went forward, Sale held a penalty advantage. Opting for the maul once more, they eventually got the ball to Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, who punched through the defence to score and claim a 7-3 lead.
Whilst the Sharks matched Sale physically, they struggled to dominate the collisions, with the hosts holding firm against their marauding opponents. Sale appeared far more comfortable with ball in hand, though space proved elusive. The Sharks were their own worst enemies, squandering two scoring opportunities before the interval. The teams went into the break with Sale leading 7-3.
The second half continued in zero-degree weather, with neither side able to establish fluency. In the 44th minute, the Sharks opted for a goal kick from a penalty, but Masuku’s kick missed the target. Six minutes later, Sale kicked a penalty to touch and established another devastating maul, which the Sharks couldn’t halt. Bevan Rodd powered over to extend the lead to 14-3, as the English side stamped their authority on proceedings.
In the 55th minute, the Sharks conceded yet another penalty. Sale kicked for touch and set up their familiar maul. After hitting up in the middle and drawing in the Sharks defence, they shifted the ball wide, allowing Tom O’Flaherty to essentially walk over unopposed. At 19-3, the match appeared beyond reach.
ALSO READ: “There can be only one” owner adds bite to sharks clash
Tshituka provided brief hope for the visitors, spotting space close to a ruck and pinning his ears back to score under the posts. Masuku converted to make it 19-10. However, Sale struck back immediately in the 63rd minute. Joe Carpenter’s amazing footwork created space before he offloaded to O’Flaherty, who crossed for his second try and secured the bonus point at 26-10.
In the 70th minute, Ben Bamber appeared to capitalise on a mistake from Ceano Everson on the try line, but the referee ruled a knock-on, offering slight reprieve to the Sharks.
Ultimately, the Durban side never threatened Sale, unable to generate the continuity needed to challenge their hosts. Sale Sharks won the battle of the Sharks decisively, 26-10.
