The Hollywoodbets Sharks won their first ever match in Cape Town in the URC in emphatic fashion. Defeating the previously unbeaten DHL Stormers 30-19 before a capacity crowd at DHL Stadium on Saturday.
The bonus-point triumph, which saw the visitors outscore their hosts by four tries to three, represents a significant statement by interim coach JP Pietersen. The Sharks entered the Round 10 encounter with only two wins from nine matches, whilst the Stormers boasted a perfect record of eight victories from eight games.
The Durbanites dominated proceedings from the outset, exploiting a sluggish Stormers start. Jason Jenkins opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a driving maul try, which Jordan Hendrikse converted superbly from touch.
Although Damian Willemse struck back immediately for the hosts, Junior Springbok Jaco Williams restored the Sharks’ advantage with a well-taken try from Hendrikse’s precise cross-kick.
Willemse claimed his second try before half-time, but the Sharks held a 17-12 advantage at the interval. The second half belonged decisively to the visitors, who capitalised on ill-discipline from the home side. Salmaan Moerat received a yellow card shortly after entering as a replacement, and the Sharks immediately exploited their numerical advantage as Phepsi Buthelezi broke from a maul to score.
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The Stormers suffered grievously at the lineout, repeatedly squandering opportunities in the Sharks’ 22. Their woes deepened when Sazi Sandi saw yellow for taking out Andre Esterhuizen in the air. Esterhuizen subsequently powered over for the Sharks’ fourth try from another devastating driving maul.
The Stormers salvaged minor consolation with a late penalty try for a collapsed maul, but the damage had been done. The sides meet again in Durban next Saturday, where the Stormers must drastically improve their set-piece performance.
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