The Sharks hosts the Waratahs at Kings Park Stadium in Durban. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match just past midnight on Sunday morning starting from 12:05am (AEDT).
In the past two years, the Sharks have had the same season results of nine wins, five losses, and one draw, while also scoring 40 tries in each campaign.
Two weeks ago, they scored three tries against the Lions, attacking in an improved fashion from the past two years, facilitated by the coach’s, playmaker Robert du Preez.
What failed miserably was the side’s scrum, which contributed heavily to their loss.
The Sharks have conceded just eight tries in their last six home games against Australian opposition, twice keeping their opponents tryless in that period.
Like the Sharks, the Waratahs’ attack looks exciting, while their scrum is abysmal, so the team to fix their setpiece will likely earn the win.
Bernard Foley has crossed for a try in each of his three previous games against the Sharks, making this an intriguing battle between the side’s No.10s.
In their last contest, Israel Folau scored two tries against the Sharks, although the South Africans outscored the Waratahs by almost three points to one.
Prediction
It’s unlikely the Sharks’ scrum will fold as badly as last week. If it holds up, they should secure their first win of the season.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match between the Sharks and the Waratahs at Kings Park in Durban, just past midnight on Sunday morning starting from 12:05am (AEDT).
tsuru
Roar Rookie
I guess that would have to be one of the officials. The TMO? But then I'm sure we'll have some criticism of his decision on "The Beast" try/no try. Even Peyper managed to get involved in play when Hooper ran into him.
Pixies
Roar Rookie
Question: Do the Aussie teams need improving in all areas? Answer: yes. Question: did the Tahs scrum do better than expected? Answer: yes. Question:
Well envisioned and well executed
RobC
Roar Guru
wow. Nice one Pollard to Johnny K
RobC
Roar Guru
A Century of foibles, leads to the first Super Rugby "sister kiss" It what totals to over a 100 mistakes, both teams displayed a dark comedy of errors that the Waratahs will feel is a good result in Africa, a 24 all draw. There were: 42 turnovers in general play, 31 missed tackles, 19 other turnovers, 6 rucks lost, 5 lineouts lost and 3 scrums lost Dark comedy is the best term, because by around 55' the Sharks in their black uniform had the game in bag. It was display of poor captainship and game management. The first lowlight was Sharks 8thman Keegan Daniel. He takes the cake, in what led to the nearest thing you can call an "own goal" from halfway. Tahs intercepted and scored 7 points compliments to Michael Hooper try under the sticks. Daniel was subbed off immediately after. The Sharks scored three great tries. But they conceded 27 turnovers in attack. They also refused to control the pace of the game. Instead they kicked and passed wildly, losing possession when they had momentum clearly on their side. This is probably something the coach will drill (or smash) into his Captain Ruan Botha and his son Rob. The Tahs did a fine job in capitalising on the Sharks mistakes. They also shored up their scrum, in particular the final one located 22m out, dead in front of their own sticks. This saved the game. But the Waratahs themselves have committed multiple unforced errors, which lead to lost territory momentum and points. Isreal Folau and Kurtley Beale were quiet. They were also kept quiet by the Sharks. Forwards like Michael Wells were shown up by Sharks players like centre Andre Esterhuizen. But in the end. The Waratahs will come away more gratified having earned some tournament points in Africa. I wonder if they can win any across the Tasman. It was a display of commitment from their side, even if skills were not on display. The fans of Sharks and South African Rugby will be displeased from the Durbanites display. But I think they will remain as a dangerous team as any - as long as their leadership team knows how to control the tempo, manage their team and the match a lot better than today.
There is an immediate improvement in quality in the Bulls Lions match
Bluetooth
Guest
yes agree was a very messy game near the end both sides looked like they were playing touch footy
Durban is our worst ground to play test cricket, that score is more than enough to win
RobC
Roar Guru
True that. I promised MrChook that I would call the game and make sure Tahs win I should have promised him that the Tahs didnt lose instead!
RobC
Roar Guru
right the Bulls Lions starting soon.
RobC
Roar Guru
Agree BB. Same goes for the Tahs. tbh, Sharks mistakes were far worse
ThugbyFan
Guest
Rob, it slaughtered my tipping for this week but am happy, a draw away in SA is never easy and the Tahs would be pleased with the points. Both teams need to put Superglue on their hands next week.
Debco
Guest
Biltongbek, Sounds like you are talking about the Waratahs. They remind me of last years team. Hooper deserves a medal.
ThugbyFan
Guest
And for all the Roar Saffers, Australia is 9 for 213 in its 2nd dig, and 402 runs in front. WHOOT !
RobC
Roar Guru
youre welcome Alice! OXOXO btw, who did you tip?
RobC
Roar Guru
Thanks Thugby. hahahahahaha How do you feel about the tie mate?
RobC
Roar Guru
Bluetooth I think game management was the issue. Everyone ran like it was the SEVENS until both teams ran out of puff and brain cells.
ThugbyFan
Guest
Great call RobC. Am surprised you are sober enough to type after the Reds' game on Friday. :)
RobC
Roar Guru
1st one was close yes
RobC
Roar Guru
Thanks man Who's your MOTM? Mine was the guy who never dropped the ball