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Forgotten Bok star shines as Sharks tame the Lions
By PA
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.
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Latest Comments
The way Ratima has been treated he needs to look OS. Same with Perofeta and Love, Hothem too. Razor is a token coach. Gives debuts but very few mins. Also DM too. Just go earn millions elsewhere DM as all you get in NZ is bagging.
BB is coaches favourite and I say let him have BB right thru to the next 2 or maybe even 3 World cups.😁😁 Have JB outside him at 12...That just works so well.
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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