The Sharks have added to their recent Challenge Cup and Currie Cup triumphs by now also securing the SA Shield after holding their never to defeat the Lions in the URC on Saturday.
It was a result that not only enabled the Durban-based side to consolidate their fourth place on the standings with six regular pool matches remaining, but also saw them claim the SA Shield for the first time.
Springbok scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse slotted over the winning penalty goal with five minutes remaining to steer the coastal side to an invaluable bonus-point 25-22 victory after leading 12-7 at the break.
The victory saw the Sharks – on 39 log points – reduce the points’ deficit on the standings between themselves and the third-placed Bulls (41), which sets up a tight battle as the competition heads to the playoffs.
The Sharks will now hope to go all the way in the URC
As if avenging their 38-14 defeat last week in Johannesburg was not enough, this result ensured that the Sharks snatched the SA Shield from the Bulls as they also pipped the Stormers.
This piece of silverware bolstered their trophy collection, which also includes the Currie Cup and the EPCR Challenge Cup.
“A week’s a long time in rugby,” Plumtree commented. “I’m very proud of the boys, it was a tough week. They’re a proud bunch and last week our pride got really dented by a really good rugby team, by the way.
“The Lions have arrived on the scene with the consistency in the way they play, they’re very competitive in all parts of the game now, so that’s a credit to them and their coaches, the way they’ve gone about their business.
“We’re just proud of the boys in the way they responded to last week. Emotionally, it’s been a really big week for us.”
The Lions, meanwhile, are currently in eighth place on the standings with 29 points – tied with the ninth placed Connacht – while the 12th-placed Stormers boast 28 points, the same as the Scarlets (10th), Ospreys (11th) and Benetton (13th).
Interestingly, only eight log points separate Munster in fifth (with 33 points) and Zebre Parma in 15th (with 25 points), meaning the competition for playoff places could prove to be gripping in the next few weeks.
How the log has shaped up:
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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/rugby/updated-urc-log-as-sharks-claim-sa-shield/
