Unbeaten Cell C Sharks travelled to Nelspruit to face the Airlink Pumas and did not disappoint. In a clinical display, they dominate their host and scored six penalties to return home with a 24-10 win and four log points to remain at the top of the 2022 Carling Currie Cup log.
The Sharks were in control for most of the first half. A penalty converted and a great try by loosie Anele Lungisa in the last five minutes of the first half resulted in just a two-point lead for the Sharks at the break.
Although the Sharks continued to be dominant in the second half both sides made several mistakes in the attack which could have resulted in definite points on the board.
09:49 Boeta Chamberlain opened the Sharks account on the scoreboard with a converted penalty. (00-03)
14:55 Boeta Chamberlain converted his second penalty for the Sharks. (00-06)
17:22 Boeta Chamberlain converted his third penalty for the Cell C Sharks. (09-00)
20:00 The Pumas once again conceded several penalties under pressure against the visitors which led to Boeta Chamberlain keeping the scoreboard moving. The Sharks at this stage the dominant side helped by the fumbling Pumas.
32:15 Boeta Chamberlain converted another penalty
34:12 Murray Koster (Sharks) was shown a yellow card.
35:09 Tinus de Beer opened the Pumas' account on the scoreboard with a converted penalty. (03-12)
37:17 Anele Lungisa scored the Pumas' first try from a movement that started in their own half after great interplay and passing from the Pumas players. (10-12)
40:00 The Sharks were in control for most of the first half. A penalty converted and a great try by loosie Anele Lungisa in the last five minutes of the first half resulted in just a two-point lead for the Sharks at the break.
47:15 Boeta Chamberlain drew first blood for the Sharks in the second half with his fifth converted penalty. (10-15)
60:00 The Pumas started to control proceedings in the third quarter, resulting in their backline getting their hands on more quality attacking ball. The match at that stage was up for grabs, with the bounce of the ball more than likely to decide the winner.
70:07 Boeta Chamberlain continued his flawless kicking performance for the Sharks and slotted yet another penalty. (10-18)
76:00 Boeta Chamberlain converted another penalty for the Sharks. (21-10)
80:00 Boeta Chamberlain converted another penalty for the Sharks. (24-10)
Scorers:
Airlink Pumas: Try: Anele Lungisa. Conversion: Tinus de Beer. Penalty: Tinus de Beer.
Cell C Sharks: Penalties: Boeta Chamberlain (8).
Airlink Pumas: 15. Tapiwa Mafura, 14. Sebastian de Klerk, 13. Alwayno Visagie, 12. Eddie Fouche, 11. Jade Stighling, 10. Tinus de Beer, 9. Lucky Dlepu, 8. Willie Engelbrecht (c), 7. Anele Lungisa, 6. Daniel Maartens, 5. Shane Kirkwood, 4. Malembe Mpofu, 3. Simon Raw, 2. Corne Fourie, 1. Ruan Kramer. Replacements: 16. Llewellyn Classen, 17. Dewald Maritz, 18. IG Prinsloo, 19. Darrien Landsberg, 20. Phumzile Maqondwana, 21. Chriswill September, 22. Devon Williams, 23. Ali Mgijima.
Cell C Sharks: 15. Inny-Christian Radebe, 14. Yaw Penxe, 13. Jeremy Ward, 12. Murray Koster, 11. Marnus Potgieter, 10. Henry Chamberlain, 9. Sanele Nohamba, 8. Celimpilo Gumede, 7. Thembelani Bholi, 6. James Venter (captain), 5. Reniel Hugo, 4. Le Roux Roets, 3. Wiehahn Herbst, 2. Fezokuhle Mbatha, 1. Dian Bleuler. Replacements: 16. Dan Jooste, 17. Khwezi Mona, 18. Lourens Adriaanse, 19. Corne Rahl, 20. Olajuwon Noa, 21. Bradley Davids, 22. Jordan Chait, 23. Curwin Gertse.