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Sharks Edge Stormers In A Nerve-Wrecking Match In Durban

  • November 30, 2024
  • 2 min read
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Sharks Edge Stormers In A Nerve-Wrecking Match In Durban

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi was one of the try-scorers as the Sharks nervously edged past the Stormers 21-15 in a Vodacom Rugby Championship clash at Kings Park Stadium on Saturday.

The Stormers, who had dominated the Sharks in their last six encounters, secured a try through Leolin Zas against a heavily-loaded Sharks side bolstered by several Springboks.

They also did benefit from a Sharks error. Aphelele Fassi intercepted a Stormers offload but knocked the ball on. Despite this, the referee awarded a penalty try to the Stormers, who had superior numbers on the short side. Fassi was subsequently yellow-carded in the final minutes.

The Stormers arrived at the match having won their previous six Vodacom Rugby Championship matches against the Durban-based side, including two last season.

But the Sharks quickly asserted their dominance, with Ethan Hooker crossing the line after evading several desperate Stormers defenders. Kolisi followed suit, powering through three Stormers players to score.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu registered the Stormers’ first points with a drop goal in the 23rd minute but missed a penalty shortly after. He was later forced off the field due to a head injury sustained in a collision with Trevor Nyakane and was replaced by Manie Libbok.

The Sharks dominated the first half, leading 14-3 at the break. The Stormers were further hampered by a sin-binning for Ruhan Nel, even though they got the try through Zas.

In the second half, the Sharks extended their lead through Hooker, but the try was disallowed due to an obstruction penalty. Vincent Tshituka was involved in the incident, appearing to block Stormers player Andre Hugo-Venter.

Andre Esterhuizen, vying for the Springbok number 12 jersey, secured a try for the Sharks, finishing off a quick offload from Grant Williams.

The final minutes were tense. Fassi prevented a Stormers try with a crucial interception but knocked the ball on. The Stormers launched a late attack, and Libbok appeared to score a try, but the referee ruled that he had knocked the ball forward during the ruck.

The narrow victory was a significant one for the Sharks, who had been on a losing streak against the Stormers.

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Robin-Duke Madlala

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