Sharks trounce Sunwolves with 10-45 bonus point win

Sunwolves 10-45 Sharks, Singapore National Stadium
Scorecard

Sharks came up with a six-try performance as they started the 2019 Super Rugby season with a 10-45 bonus point win over Sunwolves at Singapore National Stadium on Saturday.

The result also means Sharks are at second place in the South African Conference at the conclusion of round one while Sunwolves are at the bottom of Australian group.

Sharks claimed early lead in the game when Robert du Preez kicked a fifth minute penalty goal but Hayden Parker set up Shane Gates over the line in the ninth minute and the fly-half also kicked the extras and a penalty to make it 3-10.

The rest of the first half was dominated by the visitors with further tries from Akker van der Merwe (17'), Daniel du Preez (35') and Sibusiso Nkosi (38') while du Preez kicked all the conversions as the teams went into the break with 10-24 lead.

Winger Makazole Mapimpi extended the momentum of the South African side when he dotted down in the 47th minute as they claimed the try bonus point and Sunwolves on the hand felt the pressure with a sin-bin to James Moore in the 61st minute following which Sharks had two more tries through van der Merwe (65') and Jeremy Ward (72') to complete a 10-45 win.