| Sharks (23) 51 |
| Tries: Mbonambi, Nch, Kok, Penalty Try 2, Volmink Cons: Bosch 4 Pens: Bosch 3 |
| Dragons (3) 3 |
| Pen: Lewis |
Ross Moriarty sustained serious injuries in Dragons’ defeat to South Africa. It was a tough night against Sharks.
Dragons stood up to Moriarty’s challenge, but they were more than capable of holding their own.
Sharks responded by trying Bongi Nche and Ox Nche, before Werner Kok made a fine individual attempt. Two penalty tries were also made and Anthony Volmink scored a bonus point win.
Dragons were humbled by the experience. Three players were yellow carded, and they were followed by an apology. 55-20 defeat to Bulls the previous week.
Moriarty was one of nine Dragons side changes that lost to Loftus Versfeld.
Sharks won the game as the perfect response to their previous loss defeat in their previous game against Edinburgh,Who became the first side from the northern hemisphere to win a United Rugby Championship match in South Africa.
Sharks took a 6-0 lead with Curwin Bosch’s two penalties. However, Dragons responded with a Josh Lewis penalty.
A Bosch penalty was added to the six-point advantage for the home team. This came after Moriarty sustained what appeared to be a serious knee injury.
He was clearly in pain and required extensive treatment before he could be taken off the field.
Shortly after Moriarty’s departure Sharks forwards proved their power, and prop Nche was able to go over from close range for his first try.
After a driving maul, Mbonambi scored for South Africa with Mbonambi adding a second conversion.
Kok was able to score a third brilliant Sharks try, despite some Dragons’ defending.
Bosch’s conversion cost the hosts 30 points, before Sharks were able to secure a bonus point.
After a deliberate knock-on by Lewis, fly-half, they were awarded a penalty attempt. He was also yellow carded.
Dragons were reduced down to 14 men, with scrum-half Lewis Jones yellow carded as a result of a further deliberate knock on. Sharks were also awarded a second penalty attempt.
Sharks made full use of their numerical advantage, and Volmink, full-back, punished the Welsh side to go in for a try. Bosch then added the extras.
They should have scored another attempt, but Nche’s knock on halted the promising move.
The Sharks’ 22 was difficult for Dragons to enter, especially in the second half. Ben Fry’s late Yellow Card – Dragons third of the evening- summarised their evening.
Sharks: Anthony Volmink; Werner Kok, Ben Tapuai, Jeremy Ward, Makazole Mapimpi; Curwin Bosch, Jaden Hendrikse; Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi, Thomas du Toit (capt), Le Roux Roets, Gerbrandt Grobler, James Venter, Jeandre Labushagne, Phepsi Buthelezi.
Replacements: Kerron van Vuuren, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Khutha Mchunu, Reniel Hugo, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Siya Kolisi, Grant Williams, Boeta Chamberlain.
Dragons: Ioan Davies; Jared Rosser, Adam Warren, Jack Dixon, Jordan Olowofela; Josh Lewis, Rhodri Williams; Greg Bateman, Elliot Dee, Leon Brown, Joe Davies, Will Rowlands, Harri Keddie (capt), Ben Fry, Ross Moriarty
Replacements: Taylor Davies, Aki Seli, Mesake Doe, Huw Taylor and Taine Basham. Lewis Jones, Will Reed and Jordan Williams.
Referee: Ben Blain (SRU)
Assistants: Cwengile Jadezweni & Morné Ferreira (SARU)
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (SARU)