Sharks showed 'fight' to upset Bulls
02/15/2025 01:23 PM
Backline coach Dave Williams lauded the character of a Sharks team missing several Springboks after their 29-19 bonus-point victory against the Vodacom Bulls at Loftus on Saturday.
The underdog visitors – who were without Ox Nche, Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, Andre Esterhuizen and Aphelele Fassi – triumphed despite being reduced to 12 men at one stage in the second half following yellow cards to locks Jason Jenkins and Corne Rahl and loosehead prop Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Second-half tries by fullback Jordan Hendrikse, openside flank Tino Mavesere and right wing Yaw Penxe saw the Sharks do the Vodacom URC double over the much-fancied Bulls this season, having beaten them 20-17 at Kings Park in December.
John Plumtree’s men are now also just one log point behind Jake White’s third-placed side on the log, with both teams having won seven of their 10 fixtures.
"As a group we've got a lot of belief," Williams said at the post-match press conference. "The yellow cards obviously weren't planned for, but the fight and intent the guys showed throughout the game was outstanding.
"The game was a real contest," he added. "It blew out a little bit at the end with those two tries, but you never sat there as a coach and thought this was going to be an easy game."
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Williams praised centre pairing Lukhanyo Am and Jurenzo Julius, as well as Mavesere, who won the Man of the Match award.
"Lukhanyo is an outstanding leader, coming back from that injury. He actually asked me to check in on him at 60 [minutes] which I forgot to do and he went the full 80 at 12 and then to 13, so I think he did a great job today. And I think one of the reasons Jurenzo joined the Sharks is the people we had in that position that he could learn from.
"Tino took his opportunity with both hands tonight and becomes another player in the mix for that back-row position, so it's great for us."
Williams said the Sharks had passed the depth test at Loftus, which bodes well for the rest of the competition.
"We know we need a squad that can qualify for playoffs and win tournaments, so utilising the whole squad throughout the season is important. It was great for these guys to get the opportunity.
"The guys coming back from resting protocols and injuries will just strengthen our group and create competition throughout the squad."
The Sharks will now take a break before facing the Lions at Ellis Park on 1 March, followed by a match against the same opponents in Durban a week later.
"It's now about finding the best route for returning players to come in and get game time," said Williams.
Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
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