Sharks edge Saracens 28-23 in Durban thriller

Sharks 28-23 Saracens, Hollywoodbets Kings Park

Sharks held off a spirited Saracens fightback to secure a 28-23 victory in challenging conditions in Durban, while the visitors claimed a valuable bonus point in the Investec Champions Cup.

The Sharks made a flying start despite heavy rain. A penalty was kicked to the corner inside the opening minutes and the resulting rolling maul proved unstoppable, with captain Siya Kolisi grounding the ball. George Whitehead converted to give the hosts a 7-0 lead.

Charlie Bracken’s box kicks caused problems for the Sharks back three, and Saracens were rewarded after 14 minutes. A lineout drive from a penalty saw Theo Dan peel off the back of the maul to score, reducing the deficit making it 7-5.

Saracens continued to grow into the contest and struck again. Elliot Daly’s grubber behind the defence caused chaos and Sam Spink reacted quickest to score. Fergus Burke’s conversion edged Saracens 12-7 ahead, and a penalty soon allowed Burke to extend the lead to 15-7.

The Sharks responded before the break. Andre Esterhuizen’s powerful carry set the platform before Aphelele Fassi finished out wide. Moments later, Edwill van der Merwe crossed in the corner from a sweeping move, and Whitehead’s touchline conversion sent the hosts into half-time with a 21-15 lead.

Saracens began the second half with intent and closed the gap through a Burke penalty. However, a yellow card for Dan proved costly. The Sharks immediately capitalised as Ethan Hooker broke the line and sent Grant Williams over under the posts to make it 28-18.

Saracens refused to fade. Sustained pressure deep in Sharks territory led to Tom Willis scoring from close range, cutting the deficit to five points. The visitors pushed hard in the closing stages but were unable to force another score, as the Sharks managed territory and saw out the final moments to seal a 28-23 win.

Line up:

Sharks: Fassi; Van der Merwe, Hooker, Esterhuizen (capt), Mapimpi; Whitehead, Williams; Ganyane, Mbonambi, Jacobs, Jenkins, Van Heerden, Kolisi, Tshituka, Buthelezi.

Reserves: Swart, Mazibuko, Mdanda, Orie, Romao, Hatton, Jaden Henrikse, Jordan Henrikse.

Saracens: Daly; Segun, Spink, Hartley, Hall; Burke, Bracken; Mawi, Dan, Riccioni, Isiekwe, Wilson, McFarland, Onyeama-Christie (capt), Willis.

Reserves: Hadfield, O'Driscoll, Street, Tizard, Michelow, Earl, Simpson, Losowski.