Pietersen's dual strike help Sharks overcome Hurricanes challenge

Sharks 32-15 Hurricanes, Growthpoint Kings Park
Scorecard

JP Pietersen scored two crucial tries, one in each half to help Sharks overcome Hurricanes challenge and register a 32-15 victory at Growthpoint Kings Park on Saturday.

Scrum-half Michael Claassens (51') and number-8 Daniel du Preez (68') also managed to cross the line for the home team as fly-halfs Garth April and Patrick Lambie successfully kicked seven and five points respectively.

Things were pretty even stevens at the half-time with the scoreboard reflecting 8-8.April scored the first points of the match as he successfully scored a penalty at the 15th minute. Beauden Barrett, fly-half, returned the favor by splitting the posts at 24th minute and opening Hurricanes' account.

Prop Reg Goodes scored a try in the 29th minute putting Hurricanes ahead of their opponents by five points. Pietersen's timely try ensured the advantage was wiped out just ahead of the half time whistle.

Sharks came all guns blazing in the second half as they scored three converted tries and a penalty in a span of 25 minutes, thus extending their lead to 24 points with 12 minutes of play remaining.

A late 73rd minute try by Hurricanes full-back James Marshall followed by Jason Woodward's conversion proved insufficient as Sharks managed to defend their 17-point advantage.

This win takes Sharks to the second position in the Africa 2 Conference table with 26 points from 10 games in their bag. Despite the loss Hurricanes have managed to hold on to their fifth position in the Australasian Group with 31 points from 10 matches.