Sharks sneak into play-offs

The Sharks beat the Jaguares 20-10 in Durban to claim the eighth and final play-off position. They will play the table-topping Crusaders. The Lions, who finished second overall, will host the Jaguares.

Play-offs (hosts first)

Crusaders v Sharks

Lions v Jaguares

Waratahs v Highlanders

Hurricanes v Chiefs

The Sharks were given a tournament lifeline when the Rebels lost 43-37 to the Highlanders. The Sharks qualified with a superior points differential after finishing with the same league points and tournament wins as the Rebels.

Sharks beat Jaguares Match Centre

Akker van der Merwe and Kobus van Wyk scored tries for the Sharks and Robert du Preez added two conversions and two penalties. The Sharks led 13-3 at halftime and extended the lead to 20-3. They couldn’t score any points in the final 20 minutes but did just enough to secure a win and another week in the tournament.

Sharks – Ties: Vd Merwe, Van Wyk. Conversions: Du Preez (2).  Penalties: Du Preez (2).
Jaguares – Try: Cancelliere. Conversion: Bonilla. Penalty: Bonilla.