Currie Cup result: Bulls hold on to beat Sharks

Sharks coach Joey Mongalo believes they are close to hitting their straps.

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“The first 20 minutes of our clash with the Pumas [last week] was as close as we have come to a perfect game,” Mongalo told Rugby365.

“However, our second-half performances are when we struggle to maintain momentum or finish off teams.

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“It is about getting that consistency in the second half of our games.”

Both teams have their depth tested with URC engagements this week, as noted by Jake White.

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“We have to find a way in which we can keep a strong team on the field every week,” White said.

“They [the Sharks] will take a lot of confidence out of their win over the Pumas last week.

“We need to get results and must ensure we play well.

Teams

Sharks: 15 Nevaldo Fleurs, 14 Phikolomzi Sobahle, 13 Josh Jonas, 12 Murray Koster, 11 Yaw Penxe, 10 Fred Zeilinga, 9 Bradley Davids, 8 James Venter, 7 Ockie Barnard, 6 Tinotenda Mavesere, 5 Reniel Hugo (captain), 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Dan Jooste, 1 Dian Bleuler.

Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Khwezi Mona, 18 Khutha Mchunu, 19 Athi Khethani, 20 Mpilo Gumede, 21 Tiaan Fourie, 22 Lionel Cronje, 23 Zee Mkhabela.

Bulls: 15 Franco Knoetze, 14 Sibongile Novuka, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Chris Barend Smit, 11 Wandisile Simelane, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Izak Burger, 8 Nizaam Carr (captain), 7 Reinhardt Ludwig, 6 Cameron Hanekom, 5 Janko Swanepoel, 4 Jacques Du Plessis, 3 Sebastian Lombard, 2 Jan Hendrik Wessels, 1 Simphiwe Matanzima.

Replacements: 16 Jacques van Rooyen, 17 Tiaan Lange, 18 Robert Hunt, 19 Phumzile Maqondwana, 20 WJ Steenkamp, 21 Bernard van der Linde, 22 Cornal Hendricks, 23 Kabelo Mokoena.

Referee: AM Jacobs

Assistant referees: Local

TMO: Egon Seconds

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