The Sharks have firmly established dominance over their coastal rivals, backing up last week’s success with another statement win as they outgunned the Stormers 36–24 in Durban, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The match exploded into life almost instantly when the visitors struck inside the opening minute, forcing an early turnover from the kick-off before driving Cobus Reinach over to stun the home crowd.
After riding out the early shock, the Sharks slowly grew into the contest, sparked by Jordan Hendrikse’s safe take from an up-and-under and a powerful carry from Ethan Hooker that pushed play deep into Stormers territory.
Despite early opportunities from line-outs close to the line, execution initially let the hosts down, but their pressure eventually told when Paul de Villiers was penalised for collapsing a maul, opening the door for the breakthrough.
Grant Williams was the beneficiary, darting over from close range, with Hendrikse converting to give the Sharks a narrow lead.
The Stormers kept the scoreboard ticking through Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s boot as both forward packs engaged in a bruising set-piece battle, trading dominance at scrum time.
Hooker powered over for the Sharks’ second try after sustained forward pressure, only for the Stormers to respond with late penalties before the break, allowing Feinberg-Mngomezulu to edge his side into halftime with a slender advantage.
The second half began with another sharp strike from the visitors as Paul de Villiers sliced through the defence to cross early, swinging momentum once more.
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That advantage didn’t last long, as relentless Sharks pressure forced cracks in the Stormers’ defence, culminating in captain Andre Esterhuizen crashing over for their third try following a scrum that went backwards under pressure.
Discipline then became a factor, with Ruben van Heerden sent off during the defensive effort, yet the Stormers briefly capitalised as Jaco Williams finished off a clean break for a bonus-point try to keep the contest alive.
Hendrikse’s calm kicking proved decisive late on, first pinning the Stormers back and then extending the lead with a penalty as time began to run out.
The defining moment came from a loose kick in behind, where hesitation proved costly for Warrick Gelant, allowing Williams to pounce and all but seal the result for the Sharks.
A final push from the Stormers fizzled out after messy set-piece play in the closing minutes, and a late knock-on ended any hopes of a dramatic finish.
Once again, the Sharks had the final say, and once again, it was the Stormers left chasing shadows.
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Picture: Gallo Images
