Following the Sharks narrow 20-17 win over the Bulls, here are our takeaways from the thrilling South African derby in Durban.
Top line
Derby delight was in Durban as the Sharks and Bulls slugged it out in a classic derby loaded with brilliant tries, penalty tries, massive hits and a boisterous crowd in what was a lovely celebration of rugby.
The teams traded blow of blow throughout as the Bulls found joy in the set-piece both scrum and lineout while the Sharks showcased their prowess in transition led by Aphelele Fassi in particular.
In the end, it was the Hendrikse brothers, Jordan and Jaden who scored all the points for the hosts outside of the penalty try as Jaden scored a try and Jordan kicked a conversion and two penalties – one of which won the game.
The Bulls had the chance to win the game but Johan Goosen was off target and late charge for the line failed to produce.
It certainly points to the Sharks as the new leader in South Africa’s hierarchy.
Scrum battle shows frightening prop depth in South Africa
You’d be forgiven to think that the Sharks would walk the Bulls in the scrums with Ox Nche and Vincent Koch in the front-row but it was simply not the case. Instead Wilco Louw and in particular Gerhard Steenekamp went to town on the Sharks scrum.
Now of course it is not purely the fault of the Sharks prop but this clearly highlights how the scrum is a team effort. What it does show is that the state of front-rows in the country is in an extremely good state and the Bulls who both represented the Springboks this year certainly earned their money today.
While John Plumtree of the Sharks would not be too pleased with the scrummaging effort Rassie Erasmus would have been smiling ear to ear.
Bulls returning to strengths of old
Jake White had the Bulls back to their traditional strengths which kicked off with their strong scrum and that translated into a dominance in the maul which the Pretoria men used to leverage the game gaining penalties. Although they would be upset not to get reward for this at the end of the game.
If one looks back to the successful Bulls teams in days gone by with the likes of Victor Matfield and co these were the areas where they were strong and it was easy to see how much it suited the Bulls.
With that being said, getting points off the tee was almost guaranteed from Morne Steyn but that wasn’t the same with Johan Goosen who missed kicks that could have won the game. White won’t be terribly sad as the signs are there.
Crowd attendance shows healthy state of the game
Traditionally December was a quiet period for rugby in South Africa where players would put their legs up and spend time with family during the Super Rugby days. That much has changed with the shift up north and the fans have truly embraced the new period of rugby.
Over 30,000 fans flocked to Kings Park to watch the thrilling derby which is a very encouraging sign after the poor crowds in the Champions Cup.
As we all know rugby is almost a religion in South Africa and this was another display of just how much the people enjoy the game.
Never-ending season taking its toll
Speaking of the never-ending season the effects showed their teeth yet again as Springboks skipper Siya Kolisi was a late withdrawal with a calf strain and Eben Etzebeth didn’t feature due to an injury of his own.
It is rather unfortunate because December is derby time in the URC and of course, fans want the best of the best slugging it out but the harsh reality is that these players barely stop after the Rugby Championship.
READ MORE: Siya Kolisi in sudden late withdrawal for Sharks’ South African derby with Bulls
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/sharks-v-bulls-five-takeaways-as-springboks-props-shown-up-and-the-toll-of-the-never-ending-season
