The Hollywoodbets Sharks XV suffered their third consecutive defeat when they went down 21-31 to the Airlink Pumas in their Carling Currie Cup match at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban on Friday night.
It was a scrappy match that the visitors effectively clinched in the first half when they scored four unanswered tries to grab a bonus point as they went into the break leading 24-0.
The home team improved in the final quarter, scoring two tries, but by then it was too late for them to think of stealing a win.
Another game in the #CarlingCurrieCup and another defeat for the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV 🦈❌ pic.twitter.com/Ze2zs3OYvS
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) July 19, 2024
The Pumas, who have played a lot of rugby together this winter, looked by far the more coherent and well lubricated outfit in the first half against an inexperienced home team who made far too many mistakes, both on attack and defence.
The Pumas attacked straight from the kickoff, with Clinton Swart barging over in the third minute after multiple attacks, converting his own try.
It was the perfect start for the visitors and they went further ahead five minutes later when fast hands from their three quarters enabled Darren Adonis to dash over in the right corner with Swart adding the extras again.
A third score for the Pumas came after a maul on the Sharks’ line with flank Nsika Fisanti helped over the line. This time Swart failed with the conversion.
The Pumas completed their scoring in the first half when skipper Ed Swart plunged over after the referee had warned the Sharks for repeated infringements on defence.
The Airlink Pumas are putting the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV to the sword in Durban ⚔🏉
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) July 19, 2024
📺 Stream #CarlingCurrieCup live: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/9NxwJhK5oE
The error-ridden Sharks had to improve in the second half and they certainly began it with added intensity, camping out on the Pumas’ line before Dian Bleuler eventually forced his way over.
The Sharks’ momentum was, however, briefly interrupted when Pumas’ wing Phiko Sobahle scored a brilliant individual try, cutting in off the left wing to sprint over under the poles.
The final quarter belonged to the Sharks as their substitutes added freshness, experience and strength with skipper Nick Hatton – who gave his all to the cause throughout the match – powering over with 15 minutes to go.
This try was quickly followed by Kerron van Vuuren going over after repeated attacks by the Sharks on the Pumas’ line.
This reduced the deficit to 10 points with seven minutes remaining but the Pumas – always fierce on defence – withstood all further Sharks’ attacks to gain a deserved victory.
SCOREBOARD
Hollywoodbets Sharks XV (0) 21, Airlink Pumas (24) 31
Sharks – Tries: Dian Bleuler, Nick Hatton, Kerron van Vuuren
Conversions: Alwayno Visagie, Tiaan Fourie (2)
Pumas – Tries: Clinton Swart, Darren Adonis, Nsika Fisanti, Eduan Swart, Phiko Sobahle
Conversions: Clinton Swart (2), Danrich Visagie