Sharks edge out Stormers 24-17 in Durban

by Matthew Wood Monday 23 April 2018

Jean-Luc du Preez with Robert du Preez (Head Coach) of the Cell C Sharks -Robert du Preez - and Daniel Du Preez of the Cell C Sharks during the Cell C Sharks captains run at Jonnsons Kings Park

©Steve Haag

Sharks 24 - 17 Stormers, Durban

Sharks managed to return back to winning ways after edging out Stormers by 24-17 in their Super Rugby face-off in Durban on Saturday.

This is Sharks' third win of the season as they climb to the third position in the South African Conference while Stormers languish at the bottom of the group following their sixth defeat of the season.

Sharks had a chance to open their account in the 14th minute when Curwin Bosch provided a breakthrough for Robert du Preez, who hit the upright with his attempt. However, he made amends two minutes later with a penalty kick to get his team to a 3-0 lead.

Du Preez had a chance to double the lead but missed out on a long-range penalty kick and with two minutes to go to the half time, Raymond Rhule scored the opening try to take Stormers into the lead while Damian Willemse kicked the extras to make it 3-7.

The home side showed better intent at the start of the second half when Makazole Mapimpi offloaded to centre Lukhanyo Am for their first try in the game that was improved by du Preez as they stretched the lead to 10-7 but Stormers were unwilling to relent with a touchdown from Ramone Samuels in the 52nd minute. Willemse kicked a penalty goal and a conversion on either side to make it 10-17.

Sibusiso Nkosi had a chance to bring Sharks into the game in the 56th minute as he collected a grubber but then lost it in grounding. The pressure became evident on the Stormers as they lost Dewaldt Duvenage to sin-bin at the end of the third quarter and Sharks made full use of the numerical advantage with Robert du Preez setting Jean-Luc du Preez over the line in the 64th minute.

The conversion from du Preez made it 17-17 before prop Thomas du Toit scored the decisive try in the 73rd minute to help them complete a seven-point victory.