Sharks
11
Match Complete
Stormers
16
| 65 |  | S. Marais | ||
| R. D. Preez | | 50 | ||
| L. Am |  | 41 | ||
| 37 | | S. Marais | ||
| 28 | | S. Marais | ||
| R. D. Preez | | 14 | ||
| 4 |  | S. Marais | ||
| 3 | | D. Willemse |
| 1 | Tries | 1 | ||
| 0 | Conversions | 1 | ||
| 2 | Penalty Goals | 3 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
The Sharks have been one of the surprise packets to open the new Super Rugby season, but they will get their first real test when they take on a strong-looking Stormers outfit in Durban. Join The Roar for live scores from 2:15am (AEDT).
The Durban-based outfit have gone two for two to start the season, and while it was against the Sunwolves and Blues, the fact they have racked up the points and kept an improved Blues outfit at bay on the back of a long trip is positive for the franchise.
The Sharks put 45 points on the Sunwovles in their opening clash of the season, running in plenty of tries and putting the pressure on their opponents from the word go.
They followed up that impressive outing by putting 26 points on the Blues last week, with their defence again strong in what was a convincing win.
While the Sunwolves and Blues were right down the bottom of the table last year, both have made positive starts to 2019 and the Sharks winning against both can only hand the franchise a chunk of momentum moving forward.
On the other side of the dice, it’s been really tough to get a read on the Stormers, who are one and one to kick things off in the new season.
The Stormers lost their opener to the Bulls in convincing fashion, conceding 40 points in the contest.
While that left them at the bottom of the table and in a bad spot, their second game brought about a victory over the Lions, who topped the South African conference and made the grand final in 2018.
If they can play and defend in particular as they did in that game, there is no reason why they can’t get up again, but their two performances so far have been so contrasting, it’s hard to get a read on which side will turn up on the road.
Prediction
The Sharks have looked strong so far, despite their opposition. After spending a week at home though, then playing an up and down Stormers outfit, I expect them to win an entertaining, potentially high-scoring affair.
Sharks by 5.
Be sure to join The Roar for live scores of this Super Rugby match from 2:15am (AEDT) and don’t forget to add a comment in the section below.
Harry Jones
Expert
Cheers! Jaco (and Juarno) look like real 8s! Notshe is a flyer for me; needs to bulk up for this trade.
Sean
Guest
What do you make of Pieter-Stepth Harry? The boy was immense yesterday wasn't he? Also liked what I saw from our new no 8 Jaco Coetzee. Surely they should consider him now ahead of Notshe(who got injured)although Notshe as you said in the past is very useful when it's an open type game and he gets lots of space to accelerate,but more often than not we don't play that way do we...
Charging Rhino
Roar Guru
Oh well that sux! Scott.... Sharks been a surprise package this year?? Mate they always thrash the Sunwolves, beat the Blues and make the playoffs almost every year. Certainly no surprises with how they started their season. Once again I preirct they’ll go 3-1 vs NZ conference and either 4-0 or 3-1 vs Aus conference. It’s these SA derbies which worry me, as we see they lost this one.
Harry Jones
Expert
Sorry, I meant in SA conference.
Nobrain
Roar Guru
Crusaders
Harry Jones
Expert
Haha! Yes. But we can’t score tries!!!!! (Back to old super D).
Harry Jones
Expert
Nobody is winless; nobody is unbeaten.
tsuru
Roar Rookie
"SA conference could come down to Sharks and Bulls, with Jaguares the kingmaker." It seems you spoke a couple of hours too soon, Harry. One could be tempted to cry " Oh ye of little faith," but I'm sure you were just being circumspect.
Harry Jones
Expert
Eben Etzebeth took over the match. Beauty win. SA Conference = all knotted up.
65
Harry Jones
Expert
Sharks grounded and pounded their way back into the match. Now, the STO starving for possession. The last quarter of this brutal derby will be compelling. Who will keep their composure?
50
41
Harry Jones
Expert
13-3 lead at halftime for the non-superhero Stormers is probably fair, except SP Marais left 6 points out there. The inportant fact is the hitherto high-scoring Sharks never looked like manufacturing a real try. Etzebeth-PSDT-Kolisi-Malherbe-Bongi are tackling like they mean it. But jeez the STO backline is fumbly.
37
28
14
4
3