Cardiff get four-try bonus point by half-time against 14-man Sharks
Cardiff cruised to victory against the 14-man Sharks as they claimed a 36-14 United Rugby Championship victory in Durban. Sharks flanker Tino Mavesere was sent off after just 20 minutes following a shoulder-led challenge to the head of Cardiff and Wales full-back Cameron Winnett.
The visitors prospered, securing a bonus point by half-time through tries from Alun Lawrence, Ben Donnell, Willis Halaholo, and James Botham, while fly-half Ben Thomas kicked three conversions.
Lock Corne Rahl was the only survivor in the Sharks’ starting line-up following a home defeat against Benetton last time out.
None of the Sharks’ current Springboks contingent were involved before the EPCR Challenge Cup final against Gloucester in London.
Cardiff encountered few problems in claiming a rare five-point maximum on the road, with Thomas adding a second-half penalty before Wales back Mason Grady posted a late try that Thomas converted.
Centre Diego Appollis and replacement Curwin Bosch touched down for the home side, with Bosch and Lionel Cronje each kicking a conversion, but Sharks could have no complaints after being outplayed in all key departments.
Number eight Lawrence collected Cardiff’s opening try after 15 minutes, underlining that the Sharks had a tough task on their hands.
But that degree of difficulty increased sharply after Mavesere was red-carded and Cardiff capitalised immediately.
More good work by their forwards had Sharks’ defence in reverse gear and Donnell was the beneficiary, with Thomas’ conversion opening up a 14-point lead.
Cardiff were then undone by a try from Appollis that Cronje converted, yet they recovered quickly as Halaholo showcased all his power to surge over Sharks’ line before Thomas added another two points.
A bonus point arrived six minutes before the interval through Botham’s score, sending Cardiff in to half-time with a 26-7 advantage.
A Thomas penalty left the Sharks further adrift and Grady crossed for a try eight minutes from time that Thomas converted before Bosch’s 78th-minute consolation.
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Great to see the biggest clash between the Boks and ABs. The Boks have a better replacement bench and a developing squad for RWC 2027. The ABs could have won but for poor penalty kicks from DMac and a bad decision from Scott Barrett to kick for touch and not at the poles. Le Roux should be pensioned off and either Fassi or Willemse when fit play fullback. Sacha must not try to be too fancy but has great potential. Pollard is still the best 10. Hopefully Libbok gets his chance to play in Argentina. Etsebeth and Marx enjoyed immense games. The ABs are a work in progress but they require better forward like those of old AB teams.
Go to commentsThey also use a far more consistent scale.
Rugby pass seem to have a different scale for each player based on the authors expectations or how much he likes them.
Can't fathom how Moodie and Reece both were a 3.
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