Following a 29-19 victory over the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship clash at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, here are the player ratings for the Sharks.
15 Jordan Hendrikse: Touched down for the Sharks’ second try but all the work was done by his team-mates, with Julius particularly to the fore. Was solid considering the pressure they were under, but he didn’t have the spark of the other players in the backline. 6
14 Yaw Penxe: Was a significant threat in the first half with some superb runs and off-loads, but their set-piece problems reduced his influence after the break. 7
13 Jurenzo Julius: Showed his immense talent on occasion, particularly for Hendrikse’s try following a stunning run down the right. A couple of poor options but overall it was another positive display. 7
12 Lukhanyo Am: Not far from his best form as the 2019 Rugby World Cup star impressed in the midfield. Was defensively excellent but there were also some superb touches in attack. Classy performance. 8
Staggering display
11 Ethan Hooker: His standards never seem to drop and once again he was one of the Sharks’ stars. On both sides of the ball, Hooker is just exceptional and seems ready-made for Test rugby. 9
10 Siya Masuku: Considering the struggles of his pack, the fly-half remained remarkably composed and did not make any errors under pressure. A very good all-round performance from Masuku, who easily outshone Willie le Roux. 8
9 Grant Williams: Like Masuku, the half-back hardly got an easy ride from his pack, but he managed the situation superbly. Kicked well and service was sharp when the Sharks got the chance to move the ball. 7
8 Phepsi Buthelezi: Some good moments in the loose but the Sharks’ front five reduced his impact with ball in hand. However, his work ethic was excellent throughout. 7
7 Vincent Tshituka (c): A big effort at the coalface from the captain, who made his hits in defence and carried hard at times. 7
Filling in superbly for Siya Kolisi
6 Tinotenda Mavesere: With Siya Kolisi currently on a well-deserved rest and James Venter out, they need players to step up and Mavesere certainly did that. The flanker was the game’s top tackler and also scored the try which effectively took the game away from the Bulls. A magnificent performance. 9
5 Jason Jenkins: A couple of good moments in the loose but the front five were annihilated in the set-piece and Jenkins was one of those to receive a yellow card. 4
4 Corne Rahl: See Jenkins. Rahl didn’t offer much support in a retreating scrum while the lineout was an issue. As a result, penalties were conceded and the lock followed Jenkins to the sin-bin. 4
3 Trevor Nyakane: We very much hope his injury is not serious, but unfortunately the Springboks prop looked in absolute agony early on and was duly taken off. Nyakane was then seen heading to the bench with crutches. N/A
2 Bongi Mbonambi: Like his front-row colleague, Mbonambi was forced off with an injury – potentially a HIA – and never returned. It played a significant impact on the Sharks’ set-piece, but somehow it didn’t matter. 6
1 Ntuthuko Mchunu: Endured a torrid time of it in the scrum, conceding a few penalties, but his work in the loose could not be questioned. However, the set-piece is a prop’s bread and butter. 5
Replacements: A weird one where the replacement front-row all struggled while the others did not make huge impacts. Jeandre Labuschagne helped in the lineout when he came on, but it was the backline and back-row that won the Sharks this game. 4
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/sharks-player-ratings-magnificent-loose-forward-shines-in-siya-kolisis-absence-while-consistent-ethan-hooker-looks-ready-made-for-springboks
