The Sharks’ Super Rugby playoff hopes suffered a blow when they were surprisingly beaten 27-16 by off-form Stormers at Newlands.
The victory was a first in five games for the Cape Town-based side, who were missing skipper Siya Kolisi through illness and had rookie Josh Stander in the flyhalf position on Saturday.
The Stormers outscored their opponents three tries to one in a tough, physical battle as lock Cobus Wiese, centre EW Viljoen and flying winger Raymond Rhule crossed.
Replacement wing Kobus Van Wyk managed the only try for the visitors.
The Sharks trail the eighth-placed Melbourne Rebels by three points on the overall table, needing to defeat the Jaguares in Durban in their final game next weekend to stand a chance of making the quarter-finals.
Argentina’s Jaguares have been guaranteed at least a wildcard berth in the playoffs despite a 43-34 loss to the Bulls earlier on Saturday.
The Stormers, who have a bye in the final round, have completed their Super Rugby season.
felix
Guest
That was a typical Sharks choke but Stormers for some reason play with a higher energy at Newlands and the fairwell for the players leaving for europe.
PeterK
Roar Guru
yes aware of all those permutations. A bonus point loss wouldn't stop the sharks even if they just win. They would both have 36 points, the same number of wins but the points diff would be in the sharks way since they are both at -15 atm. It is strange though that number of draws don't rank after number of wins as a tiebreaker. Rebels have to win or then need the sharks to draw or lose. Oh agree quite unlikely brumbies to win by 3 tries.
wyn
Guest
Brumbies can only get to play-offs if Jaguars beat the Sharks, they beat the Tahs with a bonus point and the Rebels lose to Highlanders. Jaguars to beat Sharks is a possibility, Rebels to lose to Highlanders a certainty, but Brumbies beating the Tahs by more than 3 tries highly unlikely. Sharks can get to play-offs by beating Jaguars. If they win, only possibly a BP loss by Rebels or win by Rebels will keep them out of play-offs. Rebels will get to play-offs if the Jaguars win and the Brumbies fail to secure a BP win, or they miraculously beat the Highlanders. The one who secures the last spot gets the honour of being thumped by the Crusaders in the quarter finals!!!!
PeterK
Roar Guru
Do you realise there are 8 teams in the qf's and have been for a while? Jagueres are currently in 7th on 38 points, Rebels 8th on 35 points, and Sharks 9th on 32 points. It is impossible for jagueres to fall to 9th and out of the finals. So how much assets / money do you have? I will match that and happily accept your bet and take it all off you.
frisky
Guest
Jaugures in the finals?? To me the 6th spot will go to the Highlanders. They are playing the Rebels at home. I will offer you odds of 2:1. It would be refreshing if I am wrong and the Juagres make it. Having 4 NZ teams in each year makes it less exciting.
PeterK
Roar Guru
yes Jagueres assured of a finals spot! I certainly expected they would beat the bulls though.
Carlos the Argie
Guest
Thank you Stormers! We owe you one.
PeterK
Roar Guru
7 teams assured of a finals spot. rebels, sharks and brumbies fight it out for the last spot.