The Sharks won a physically demanding contest, overcoming a period with only 12 players on the field, to beat the Vodacom Blue Bulls 29-19 at Loftus Stadium on Saturday.

For the Sharks, who were eliminated from the Investec Cup and relegated to the Challenge Cup (which they won last season), this was their second win in a row, having also defeated the Pretoria team in Durban in December.

The Sharks weathered the storm despite having three players sin-binned throughout the match due to disciplinary issues. The Bulls players were visibly disappointed at the final whistle, having been soundly beaten by the Durban-based side.

The Bulls started strongly, scoring the first try in the second minute when Marco van Staden released Jan-Hendrik Wessels, who dived over.

The Sharks responded quickly, capitalizing on a set-piece and spreading the ball wide for Ethan Hooker to score. Jordan Hendriske converted to level the score at 7-7.

The Sharks continued to pressure the Bulls. Willie le Roux, chasing his 100th Springbok cap, was sent to the sin-bin for playing a man from an offside position. Hendriske converted the resulting penalty to give the Sharks a 10-7 lead.

The Sharks then suffered a setback when prop Trevor Nyakane sustained an injury and was later seen on the sideline on crutches with his foot in a moon boot.

Despite this, the Sharks led 10-7 at halftime against the Bulls, who lost last season’s final at the same venue to Scottish side Glasgow Warriors.

The Sharks’ discipline faltered in the second half. Jason Jenkins was the first to be sin-binned, followed two minutes later by Corne Rahl, who also received a yellow card.

The Bulls immediately capitalized on the numerical advantage, with Johan Grobbelaar scoring to retake the lead.

The Sharks were then reduced to 12 players when Ntuthuko Mchunu received the third yellow card. They were under significant pressure.

However, the Bulls failed to fully exploit their numerical advantage, and the Sharks made them pay. Jurenzo Julies evaded several defenders on the wing and offloaded to Hendriske, who scored in the 55th minute to put the Sharks back in the lead. Hendriske’s conversion attempt was unsuccessful.

The Sharks then extended their lead. Loose forward Tinotenda Mavesere picked up a loose ball and ran through to score his first try in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship. Siya Masuku converted, making the score 22-12.

The Sharks secured the bonus point try when Bulls players collided attempting to deal with a high kick from Masuku. Yaw Penxe pounced on the loose ball to score. Masuku converted, increasing the lead to 29-12.

The Bulls managed a late try through Grobbelaar after sustained pressure, but it was too little, too late.