The Hollywoodbets Sharks XV edged the Airlink Pumas 19-13 in a proper arm wrestle on Friday evening in Durban. The Pumas' loss meant that they will need a big favour from the Vodacom Bulls, who need to stop the Toyota Cheetahs from scoring one bonus point, to qualify for the 2025 Carling Currie Cup playoffs.
The Sharks started like a house on fire; however, the Pumas clawed their way back into the game, and Clinton Swart converted two easy penalties to edge the Pumas 06-00 into the lead after twenty-three minutes of play in the first half.
The remainder of the first half was scrappy, and the Pumas led 06-00 going into the second half.
The Pumas made several mistakes off the boot in the early stages of the second half. Following six minutes of play in the second half, another mistake by the Pumas gave the Sharks the opportunity to toe the ball ahead, and Yaw Penxe won the race to score the Sharks' first try. The conversion was missed, and the Pumas led 06-05.
The Sharks declined several opportunities to convert penalties, and finally, Phepsi Buthelezi bulldozed his way over the Pumas tryline. Siya Masuku converted, and the Sharks led 12-06 for the first time in the match after sixty minutes of play.
Two minutes later, the Pumas attacked from the kick-off, which eventually led to Lundi Msenge scoring the Pumas' first try after controlling a brilliant kick-pass by Ross Braude. Clinton Swart converted to edge the Pumas back in the lead 13-12.
With twelve minutes to play, the Sharks, who dominated at that stage, launched wave after wave of attacks, and eventually Francois Venter crashed over to score the hosts' third try. Siya Masuku converted for the Sharks to lead 19-13.
Teams:
Hollywoodbets Sharks XV: 15 Yaw Penxe, 14 Phikolomzi Sobahle, 13 Diego Appollis, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Paschal Ekeji, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Nick Hatton, 7 Vincent Tshituka (c), 6 Manu Tshituka, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Batho Hlekani, 3 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Phatu Ganyane. Replacements: 16 Jacques Marais, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Mawande Mdanda, 19 Deon Slabbert, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Ceano Everson, 22 Jean Smith, 23 Jaco Williams.
Airlink Pumas: 15 Stefan Coetzee, 14 Lundi Msenge, 13 Sango Xamlashe, 12 Wian van Niekerk, 11 Darren Adonis, 10 Clinton Swart, 9 Ross Braude (vc), 8 Willie Engelbrecht (c), 7 Ruwald van der Merwe, 6 Ntsika Fisanti, 5 Tiaan de Klerk, 4 Hanno Theunissen, 3 Sampie Swiegers, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Dewald Maritz. Replacements: 16 Darnelle Osuagwu, 17 Etienne Janeke, 18 Junior Banda, 19 JJ Scheepers, 20 Andre Fouche, 21 Russwill Fredericks, 22 Danrich Visagie, 23 Andrew Kota.
