Sharks claim Currie Cup final revenge over Western Province

The Sharks clinched the Currie Cup with a 17-12 win over Western Province, avenging their final defeat to the same side 12 months earlier.

On a steamy day in Cape Town, the Sharks produced a clinical display on Saturday to dethrone the champions and win an eighth title.

A tight first half had Western Province 6-0 up at the break, yet the holders played out the full 80 minutes without scoring a single try and that proved their undoing.

The Sharks conversely forged a breakthrough early in the second half through Akker van der Merwe, that crucial score forcing Western Province to go on the offence.

And the Sharks pounced. A speedy counter-attack resulted in an opportunity for Tyler Paul to force the ball over the line, seemingly securing victory nine minutes from time.

A further Western Province penalty - their fourth of the game - from Damian Willemse set up a tense finale, but the Sharks got over the line.