The Sharks kept their Vodacom URC playoff hopes alive with a hard-fought win over Cardiff at a hot and muggy Kings Park on Friday night.
The Durban-based side ran in three tries – including a brace by flank Phepsi Buthelezi – to register a 21-15 victory that moves them up to 10th on the log.
The Sharks eventually found their rhythm after a slow start, striking first in the sixth minute through flank Phepsi Buthelezi, who powered over from a rolling maul. Flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse added the extras.
Cardiff responded swiftly. After building pressure through multiple phases, they turned down a shot at goal in favour of a quick tap – a decision that paid off as wing Mason Grady finished out wide and flyhalf Callum Sheedy converted.
The contest then became stop-start, with handling errors creeping in due to the slippery, humid conditions.
The Sharks were dealt a setback when Hendrikse was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on, and Cardiff capitalised. A strong lineout platform created space for captain Liam Belcher to break, with Grady collecting a cross-kick to finish for his second. The conversion drifted wide, but the visitors edged ahead.
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In response, Sharks coach JP Pietersen made a bold call, introducing a new front row – including Springboks Ox Nché and Vincent Koch –and it had an immediate impact.
From a dominant set-piece, Buthelezi struck again, slicing through for his second try. Scrumhalf Bradley Davids converted to restore control.
Yaw Penxe with a try for the #VURC showreel
He puts the Sharks ahead at half-time with a beauty
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With momentum shifting, the Sharks added a third before the break. Wing Yaw Penxe produced a moment of individual brilliance, chipping into space and regathering to score. Davids added the extras as the hosts took a 21-12 lead into half-time.
After the break, both sides showed a willingness to give the ball some air despite the conditions. The Sharks will rue a series of missed chances in that third quarter. On too many occasions, enterprising play ended with a forced pass or handling error.
The visitors got the only points of the second half, courtesy of a Sheedy penalty.
The Sharks next travel to Ireland for their EPCR Challenge Cup round of 16 clash against Connacht on Friday.
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SHARKS – Tries: Phepsi Buthelezi (2), Yaw Penxe. Conversions: Jordan Hendrikse, Bradley Davids (2)
CARDIFF – Tries: Mason Grady (2). Conversion: Callum Sheedy. Penalty: Sheedy.
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
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