Slick Sharks slaughter Leopards
13 Aug 2010
The Sharks hammered an outclassed Leopards outfit 51-6 at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.
The hosts were expected to be competitive after their spirited fightback against the Bulls at Loftus last week where they lost by just five points, but after they trailed 13-6 after half an hour, matters declined as they conceded seven tries. The Sharks claimed their second try with 10 minutes of the first half remaining and in a blitz before the interval, they had secured the bonus point as the siren sounded when Louis Ludik dived over.
The Sharks have been lauded for their entertaining and open play, and again their offloads and running were superior to an outclassed opponent. However, young Pat Lambie exhibited a wise head in certain situations when he ensured his side wasn’t predictable by putting the ball behind the Leopards when pragmatism was required in the first half. Although performances against the Leopards and Lions are hardly the acid test, Lambie has easily passed both. Lambie was subbed after 57 minutes, a luxury coach John Plumtree could afford with the one-sided result.
Springboks Beast Mtawarira and Bismarck du Plessis also came on early, the pair entering the fray after 51 minutes. They were quiet (except for some ill-discipline from Du Plessis), but after lengthy lay-offs for respective reasons, the game-time will only do them good.
Keegan Daniel was again a standout, while another player to impress with his raw pace, power and stepping was Lwazi Mvovo. Like many players Mvovo needs some refining, but every time Mvovo touched the ball the small but appreciative Rustenburg crowd got off their feet, an encouraging sing for the 24-year-old.
However, by the final stages, the Sharks had laid such a platform and the Leopards were missing tackles with alarming regularity.
The Sharks will be encouraged by the showing, but Plumtree and co will realise their toughest test of the season comes next week against Western Province.
Meanwhile, Griquas returned to winning ways with a convincing 58-25 victory over the Pumas in Kimberley after leading just 22-20 at the break.
72 Comments
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13 Aug 2010, 21:09 pm
Well, it is great to see the future 2010 Currie Cup champions and the future Super 15 champions playing so well.
An 80 minute performance.
Notes for Plumtree:
* Keep the penalty machine on the bench for the season, Craig Burden is better in any case
* Daniel, Albert should always start somewhere
* Swannepoel looked great when he came on, great tackles
* Lambie looks good at 10, keep him there
* Where will JLP play next season? Is Oupa retiring?
Notes for PDV:
* Mvovo should be in the bok setup
* As should Burden, Daniels, Alberts, Lambie
Now, to crush WP…
13 Aug 2010, 21:10 pm
oh…and dragons, I suppose
13 Aug 2010, 21:13 pm
WOW what a game, the player that impressed me was the big guy Ross Skeate, running, tackling, jumping , passing and so physcial,great skills, and can get around the park for 80 mins, boy is he a big guy, he also looks very tough.
The other players that had a great game was Sharks, they are playing like a team. It is great to watch, but the game against the WP is the main game.Good luck Sharkies.
13 Aug 2010, 21:14 pm
@Doomsayer(www.pollwar.co.za)-1:
Nice post there, but let us keep our players for now for the CC. We need em to win this thing.
Agree though all those players should be Boks. How was Mvovo? He is just awesome at the moment. Well so is Burden, Daniels Alberts and Lambie. Pity Deysel got injured would liked to have had him to play next week with Alberts against Province.
Nice win there by Sharks but very one sided. Next week it will be different against WP. Should be a cracker at the tank.
13 Aug 2010, 21:15 pm
@swynboer(swynboer)-3: Thanks buddy. We doing to need all the luck but can’t wait for that game against Province going to be a cracker I think.
13 Aug 2010, 21:21 pm
Anyone knows the Griquas/Pumas score?
13 Aug 2010, 21:22 pm
@Puma(Puma)-4:
For sure, I am happy to keep the guys for the CC – I am guessing (read: hoping against hope) that Pdivvy will opt for a young side on the EOYT and these guys will make the cut.
Then they will be a shoe-in for the 30 man squad during the WC.
Also, just to stir the pot.
Craig Burden > Gary who? & Tiaan what?
Mvovo > Aplon & vd Heever
13 Aug 2010, 21:23 pm
@willievz(willievz)-6: Hello Willievz,
Griquas 58 – Pumas 25.
13 Aug 2010, 21:24 pm
Also, all this k@k we havce been reading on supersp0rt
Is the powerbase shifting south from the north…
All crazy SOB’s – the power is shifting to the KZN coast again!
13 Aug 2010, 21:25 pm
@Doomsayer(www.pollwar.co.za)-7:
You will get some going here……hehehe.
Have to agree Mvovo is playing totally awesome. Pleased he never got selected just yet. Need him for the CC. He will no doubt get a call up for eoyt and so will Lambie. But watch Burden will just get overlooked.. The norm. Think in the CC he is the best hooker at the moment.
13 Aug 2010, 21:26 pm
@Puma(Puma)-8: Howzit Puma, Thanks. Your team appears to bring home the bacon
13 Aug 2010, 21:28 pm
@Doomsayer(www.pollwar.co.za)-9: East Coast………hehehe.
Though have to wait and see our game against Province next week. Bissie can go and play for the Boks. A penalty just waiting when he comes on. Rather have Burden anytime right now at hooker for Sharks.
13 Aug 2010, 21:30 pm
@willievz(willievz)-11: So far they are Willie, but your team looking so much better than in the S14 too. Hope you can keep your coach but read The Force still want him for S15. Pity that he is doing great with the Lions.
13 Aug 2010, 21:31 pm
@Puma(Puma)-10:
Ja, I also have a feeling he will be overlooked, as he is wrongly labeled in the same group as Schalk Brits – just becasue he is a “running” hooker.
No mention that he finds his jumpers, is strong in the scrum, gets turn-overs in the loose and so on.
But no.. we’ll get Chilliboy and “Penalty Machine” Du Plessis before we get CB
13 Aug 2010, 21:33 pm
@Puma(Puma)-12:
Agreed, I saw Bissy twice doing his “mock-hit” little school yard bully act against 2 Leopards guys
Bissy, leave that cr@p at home boet…
13 Aug 2010, 21:34 pm
@Doomsayer(www.pollwar.co.za)-14: That is my feeling too Doomsayer. For now going to enjoy seeing him play CC for the Sharks. He is great to watch. Actually the whole team are.
We will know where we are though after we play Province next week that will be a test for sure.
13 Aug 2010, 21:37 pm
@Doomsayer(www.pollwar.co.za)-15: I know and he does give away plenty penalties. Not just our Sharks but Boks too. He needs to smarten up and get the discipline.
Anyhow I am out of here now Doomsayer. Catch up tomorrow.
Well done to our Sharks again
13 Aug 2010, 22:02 pm
@Puma(Puma)-17:
Cheers Puma, have a great weekend!
13 Aug 2010, 22:20 pm
Quick note… Bath won 26-14
13 Aug 2010, 22:27 pm
@SpringbokSarah(SpringbokSarah)-19:
Bath is a great town – great team too.
Who is playing 10 for them now?
13 Aug 2010, 22:29 pm
Flip guys all due respect CC is 3rd tear rugby after Internationals and S14 – to rave about players performances here and call for Bok caps is surely premature! I agree that the Shocks played well – but hell look at who they were playing against! Some perspective would be great.
13 Aug 2010, 23:01 pm
@Faker(Faker)-21:
It’s hard to have perspective at the top of the log
14 Aug 2010, 00:26 am
@Doomsayer(www.pollwar.co.za)-7: @Puma(Puma)-10:
Burden?
Third choice hooker at the Sharks? You talking about him being a Bok.
So PdV can’t be THAT wrong making the 3rd choice hooker of the Bulls a Bok.
14 Aug 2010, 04:11 am
@Doomsayer(www.pollwar.co.za)-20: former Leicestre flyhalf Sam Vesty (1 cap), well he’ll be playing there until James returns at least
14 Aug 2010, 08:27 am
@Doomsayer(www.pollwar.co.za)-22: You guys have racked up more bonus points than us, I wonder if this will end up being the telling factor for a home final?
Anyway, good performance by your guys. Nice to see that the youngsters are coming through nicely. I must say, listening to the “make them Springboks now” comments, I am reminded of how provincialism is alive and well, as it shoud be. And by the way, Burden has to stand behind, Botha, Liebenberg, Fourie, Maku, etc as well.
And as for top of the Log, we’ll chat later, ne?
14 Aug 2010, 09:16 am
@nama1(nama1)-23: just wanna point out that ur not comparing apples with apples , but again the old race card is always brought into the convo , how delightful and convinient
i for one am not shouting for anyone to be boks as in the case above
and i am not questioning chilli’s selection
but you compare someone asking for a playing to be a bok that is actually playing rugby and getting the chance to prove himself????, again i am not saying he should or shouldnt be a bok , infact i dont think so , he has a long way to go
again i am not saying the bulls did or didnt give chili a chance to prove himself
i am asking how you can justify your comment about a player that is in the bok team that did not prove himself in any game or games before being selected.
quite sad really as one is actually playing in games
14 Aug 2010, 09:50 am
Sharks are playing the kind of rugby that the Boks could only dream of.
No room for Fatboy Smit in the Sharks, and as for Bismark, chap each penalty should take 10k off your salary. You and your brother can march now pal.
Maybe a guy like Burden won’t step up to Boks, who cares. At CC level he is THE BUSINESS!
Mvovo, Daniels, Skeate, Alberts, Lambie. Luddick etc etc are all playing fantastic rugby.
SO so good to see a lot of the guys from Natal coming through the ranks, this team looks fantastic.
Good job Plum
14 Aug 2010, 10:25 am
STill a lot of water to flow under the bridge before one gets too excited
but yes sharks are playing very good rugby , and good one the eyes
even poor players from before like strauss are looking the business
14 Aug 2010, 10:31 am
let’s not get carried away gentlemen.wait for the playoffs,real acid test.
Some players playing great rugby like Mvovo,Lambie,Daniel(player of the CC so far) etc.great to see but all too often have we seen overhyped CC performances result in test failure/obscurity.
Jury is still out of likes of Ludik(who I don’t rate-a Roets clone),Daniel,Lambie,Skeate.
Mvovo is the obvious & destructive player in CC at present.just needs to continue & his time will come.
Shark fans we’ve seen this all before…ex:Van Biljon,Russell,Halstead,Brink etc…they achieved nothing if I remember correctly…jus dissappintment
Good performance.that’s it
14 Aug 2010, 10:35 am
@nama1(nama1)-23:
Oh, I like Chilliboy – I think he is a good hooker.
I just like CB more – thinks he offer more and should be in the Bok setup.
Also, when I say setup I mean the extended 30 man squad – not the starting team, y’dig?
14 Aug 2010, 10:37 am
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-25:
HAHA! Yes, I am trying hard at the provincialism thing. I am just so glad the Sharks are looking like something again after 2 lean years.
14 Aug 2010, 10:39 am
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-29:
C’mon man – don’t deflate the tires of our Sharks Hopemobile.
We can dream, hey?
14 Aug 2010, 10:52 am
this leopards team almost beat the bulls at loftus last weekend…hmm wouldnt it be funny if the bulls down wp …
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-25: Why botha and fourie? who is fourie ?isnt he the stormers reserve hooker? eish you named two province players there -but i agree he should be behind liebenberg ,if we had to go on form from the s14-not a chance behind any of the bulls hookers tho
14 Aug 2010, 10:58 am
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-29: Don’t be like that.
If this were the WP they’d be on the rooftops saying they had won the RWC, S15, Heineken Cup and IRB 7s all at once, without actually playing.
Let us Sharkies be happy.
14 Aug 2010, 11:10 am
@sharks_lover(sharks_lover)-28: For sure Sharky, Sharks playing some really good rugby and sure is good to watch them right now.
14 Aug 2010, 11:16 am
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-29: Mshini, Us Sharkies just feeling great for now. You are right though buddy, the season is still too early. We will know where we are next week after playing WP. Just have no idea how we lost to Griquas? Though since then we have got it right. For now I feel great to see our team play some really good rugby.
Yip, Ludik is okay for me too, not as great as I thought but he will get better he is talented and needs time too. Only will rate him after the CC. The others that are standing out so far are: Mvovo just awesome, Lambie superb, Burden really has taken me by surprise, thought to see him play like that. He is the best hooker in CC so far. Skeate was really great last night and so too Keegan and Alberts.
14 Aug 2010, 11:42 am
Ludik has been injured for a while and is getting better with each game he plays
Mvovo, Burden and Lambie continue to impress.
Thought in the first half Skeate was nowhere, but came out firing in the 2nd, with Mostert coming back from injury the locks are looking healthy
Kockott played well, would still rather have McLeod…
Strauss, who is this guy? looks like a new player, and from one of his biggest critics, keep it up mate! Swanepoel learnt how to pass, I reckon the new signings have been a wake up call…
Alberts was immense as usual, he is a proper 8th man, when will PdV… actually scrap that, he is rubbish and deserves to play CC rugby for life…
Bismark, nope, no thank you, makes too many stupid mistakes, he is a liability and would stick with Cooper and Burden.
Nicely done Sharks, now for WP next week!!
14 Aug 2010, 12:23 pm
I hear Sarel Pretorious scored two tries for the Griquas and had another amazing performance. Do people not realise how good this guy is? He’s 10 times better then your mesiah Pienaar will ever be.
14 Aug 2010, 12:24 pm
Also, nice to see some people finally realising that Bismarck sucks and is nowhere near SA’s best hooker
14 Aug 2010, 12:50 pm
@rugbywriter(rugbywriter)-39: Bismark and his brother are walking penalties, always have been. Hope they go play together somewhere else.
14 Aug 2010, 13:40 pm
@goyougoodthing2(goyougoodthing2)-40: I’ve been saying that since 2008 and have been ridiculed non-stop
14 Aug 2010, 13:45 pm
@rugbywriter(rugbywriter)-41: Well whoever laughed at you needs their heads read. The very idea that they are a package deal, that they give away so many penalties etc doesn’t seem to bother some people.
And here is my thing:
Sharks play in Super rugby and CCup. Not in tests. We need guys who perform at provincial level, the rest is a bonus. Burden does exceptionally well at CC level. Better than Bissy, better of course than Smit.
Horses for courses, we have the right horse, send the others packing.
14 Aug 2010, 15:35 pm
What happened to this blog/????
14 Aug 2010, 15:46 pm
@goyougoodthing2(goyougoodthing2)-43:
For some reason, Keo and his people are too busy to update and supply any news on a weekend. I suspect they are so busy now with other things that they have forgotten where their bread and butter comes from.
In other words, they are resting on their laurels and don’t seem to notice the comments about the site’s downward spiral.
We’ll see soon enough I suppose…
14 Aug 2010, 16:19 pm
@JockBok(JockBok)-44: They’re all being wined and dined in the press boxes, supposedly getting close to those amazing sources that Iafrica and Rugby365 seem to have, in the hopes of not being continuously scooped by the other sports websites.
But then I guess we can’t complain, we get these amazingly insightful articles about division in the Bok Camp and why Div should do what we’ve all been saying for months.
Life’s tough at the top….
14 Aug 2010, 16:21 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-45: Not to mention the ever present live CC threads….
14 Aug 2010, 16:28 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-46:
It’s just so weird. I would swear that a saboteur has infiltrated Keo towers and is busy sabotaging the web site in an attempt to drive down the number of hits.
Either that, or complacency seems to have set in. Either way, watch the hits drop if this keeps up…
14 Aug 2010, 16:49 pm
come on Lions!!!!
14 Aug 2010, 16:51 pm
Congrats LIONS !!!!! Nice win and great comeback there in the end. Where is the thread ? sorry for posting here.
14 Aug 2010, 16:53 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-45: LOL , jaa the open secret scoops !! Sadly things have been downhill.
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