Highlights: Potent Sharks finally tame Lions, Jaguares in seventh heaven
The Sharks stayed in the hunt for a Super Rugby play-off spot by consigning the Lions to a first defeat in 22 derbies with a 31-24 victory and the in-form Jaguares saw off the Stormers on Saturday.
South African Conference leaders the Lions had won seven consecutive matches against the Sharks, but that run came to an end after the home side came storming back at Kings Park.
Swys de Bruin's side were 21-11 up at the break following tries from Ruan Combrink, Cyle Brink and Kwagga Smith after Dan du Preez's five-pointer had put the Sharks in front.
The Sharks turned it around in the second half, Andre Esterhuizen and Lwazi Mvovo crossing and Robert du Preez taking his tally with the boot to 16 to move the Durban-based franchise just three points behind the eighth-placed Rebels.
Daniel Hourcade's Jaguares have now won seven consecutive matches after a 25-14 defeat of the Stormers.
Bautista Delguy, Guido Petti and Matias Orlando went over for an entertaining Jaguares who go from strength to strength and sit just three points behind the Lions in the South African Conference.
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The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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