The Sharks XV held out against a brave comeback attempt from an injury-hit DHL Western Province to claim a bonus-point win in Cape Town on Saturday.
A late drop goal from veteran flyhalf Lionel Cronje sealed a 31-23 victory for the Sharks XV, boosting their hopes of clinching a Currie Cup semi-final spot.
With all five points in the bag, the Sharks have temporarily moved above the Cheetahs into third place on the log, with two games left to play.
DHL Western Province were forced to make several changes to their backline before kick-off, with teenagers Gino Cupido and Kyle Smith forming the midfield.
The Sharks raced into a 21-10 lead at half time, as Jurenzo Julius scored a sensational try and was joined on the scoresheet by flank Tino Mavesere and captain Nick Hatton. Two penalties from flyhalf Jurie Matthee reduced the deficit for WP, before prop Vernon Matongo forced his way over to give the home side hope of snatching a late victory.
However, a try from Eduan Keyter sealed the four-try bonus point for the Sharks, before Cronje stepped up and slotted a drop goal to give the visitors an unassailable eight-point lead with two minutes left to play.
Next up for the Sharks is a home game against the struggling Griffons, while Province will next take on the playoff-hunting Pumas in Stellenbosch in the penultimate round of the tournament.
Photo: Shaun Roy/Gallo Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
