Star-studded Sharks turn up heat against Scarlets

Rugby World Cup

Sharks (19) 29

Cons: Smith 3 Pen: Smith 3 Tries: V Tshitukav, M Tshitukav, Mazibuko, Kolisi

Scarlets (14) 19

Sharks celebrated a first win of the Rugby World Cup (URC) season by edging a spirited Scarlets.

Without a win or a win before the international break, both teams entered the Durban heat.

The Sharks’ star power was the 13 current Springboks who made their squad.

Vincent and Manu, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, and Vincent and Manu, Tshitukav siblings, interacted with Scarlets for the hosts, and Blair Murray and Marnus van der Merwe created magic.

After having one game postponed in round two, Scarlets come out on top of the URC table, while Stormers advance to 12th.

The Springbok captain drawing in defenders before the opening try, which was facilitated by a barnstorming break from Kolisi, allowed Vincent Tshitukav to flog the ball out.

Johnny Williams made the break for Scarlets after 10 minutes, with Harvey Cuckson finding the team’s own Springbok Van der Merwe in support.

After Manu Tshitukav’s excellent footwork and Sam Costelow’s conversion, Scarlets took the lead.

For Scarlets’ second score, Murray had a chance to get a loose clearance before making a speculative kick that ricocheted into his path.

In the second half, Scarlets were victorious, and a strong scrum and clever pop pass gave way to Rogers, who had the resources to defeat the covering defense.

After the scores were tied, the Sharks once more backed their set piece, and Kolisi wriggled out of the driving lineout to score his second try in as many weeks and earn the crucial bonus point.

Taine Plumtree, the son of Sharks head coach John, became enraged as the game grew more clandestine, and Costelow took advantage of a break in play by making a meandering run but he could not find the support.

The impressive Smith kicked his team two goals ahead after giving Scarlets respect when they chose to use posts.

We appeared to be a side that is low on confidence; we did have some chances to score in the wider channels, but I’m pleased with how the boys managed to stay there.

“I thought the Scarlets were fantastic physically and how big the guys they’ve brought into their fold really stood out.”

I know it’s been a lot of work, but I know today was just about getting a win for everyone who supports us.

Dwayne Peel, the head coach of the Scarlets, said, “It was definitely a step forward for us and it made me feel a little more like ourselves.”

We leave with nothing but frustration because there were a few bonus points we could have won, it’s obvious.

We struggled to get past the line and scored some soft tries, but I believe it’s a step in the right direction. There were some bad execution moments.

Replacements: Julius, J Hendrikse, Mbatha, Dawson, Mdanda, Scheepers, Buthelezi, and Mbatha.

Murray, Rogers, Roberts, Williams (capt), Mee, Costelow, Blacker, Mathias, van der Merwe, Holz, Ball, Cuckson, Lousi, Davis, Plumtree, Cuckson,

Assistants: Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa), Griffin Colby (South Africa), and Griffin Colby (South Africa).