Curwin Bosch of the Sharks looks on during the 2019 Super Rugby season. Photo: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images
Waratahs 15-23 Sharks: Super Rugby result and highlights [video]
The win snapped an eight-game losing streak in Sydney stretching back 19 years for the Sharks, who moved to the top of a tight South African conference.
Curwin Bosch of the Sharks looks on during the 2019 Super Rugby season. Photo: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images
Match report by AFP.
The Sharks beat the Tahs 23-15, with Jed Holloway’s red card for an elbow to the head early in the second-half a turning point after they were locked 10-10 going into the break.
The win snapped an eight-game losing streak in Sydney stretching back 19 years for the Sharks, who moved to the top of a tight South African conference.
Waratahs, re-energised by a gritty come-from-behind win against the Rebels last week in their first game without suspended Israel Folau, were in contention until Holloway lost the plot.
“Really proud of the boys, our defence was outstanding,” said Sharks captain Tendai Mtawarira, whose team had lost their last two games. “We put up a great effort tonight.”
Bernard Foley gave the Waratahs the lead after seven minutes with an easy penalty, before Daniel du Preez dived over between the posts for his sixth try of the season to put the Sharks in front.
The Sharks dominated possession but the Waratahs got back in the game when Jake Gordon grabbed the ball from a ruck and offloaded to Curtis Rona who drew in a defender and passed back to Gordon who sprinted to the line.
A Sekope Kepu high tackle handed the Sharks’ Curwin Bosch a penalty chance, which he converted, to level the game before the second stanza started with a bang.
Five minutes in and Thomas du Toit grabbed Holloway’s jersey, preventing him chasing a ball, and the big lock retaliated by swinging his elbow into the South African’s head. It was a straight red offence, with du Toit copping a yellow card.
Six minutes later and Jack Dempsey was sent to the sin bin for dangerous play, leaving the Waratahs with just 13 players.
It cost them dearly with Andre Esterhuizen bursting through the defence for a try and Bosch kicking the conversion and then booting two penalties. Foley scored a consolation try after the siren for the battling home team, but it was too little too late.
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