Forgotten Bok star shines as Sharks tame the Lions

The Sharks took charge in the second half to register a 29-7 victory over the Lions in their all-South African United Rugby Championship clash in Johannesburg.

The story of a first half that finished 7-7 was the Lions’ inability to capitalise on their dominance of territory and possession with fly-half Gianni Lombard missing three routine shots at goal.

They at least hit back, after a classy individual score by the outstanding Curwin Bosch, when captain Marius Louw finished under the posts but the visitors from Durban took control after the interval.

Helped by their superior kicking game and turnover success, they ground down the South African Shield’s bottom-placed side, who lacked the firepower needed to finish their try-scoring opportunities.

Wing Thaakir Abrahams and substitute hooker Fez Mbatha added further tries with the Sharks’ maul emerging as a particularly effective weapon.

Scrum-half Grant Williams secured the bonus point in the 74th minute, showing his pace to touch down Bosch’s grubber.