Sharks beat Blues 35-31 in rugby Super 14

J.P. Pietersen, Jacques Botes, Steven Sykes and Springboks captain John Smit scored tries for the Sharks while Kockott kicked six goals from eight attempts — three conversions, two penalties and a drop goal.

The lead changed hands three times in the first half before the Sharks' second try gave them a 20-16 lead at halftime. They carried that lead throughout the second half, maintaining their advantage with tries to forwards Sykes and Smith while the Blues were forced to play catch-up rugby.

“Not many South African teams come to New Zealand and win two out of two,” Sharks captain Johann Muller said. “The boys were outstanding today and I figure we can still play 30 percent better than we are. Still, it was a fabulous performance.”

The Durban-based Sharks beat Waikato 22-15 at Hamilton, New Zealand last weekend.

Auckland led early through a penalty to flyhalf Jimmy Gopperth, the first of his six successes from seven shots at goal. Gopperth kicked two conversions and four penalties for 16 points.

The Sharks wrested the lead away for the first time with a try to Springboks winger Pietersen, converted by Kockott but Auckland came back with a penalty to Gopperth and try to All Blacks center Isaia Toeava.

Kockott kicked his drop goal, then converted a try to Botes while Gopperth added a further penalty to give the Sharks a crucial four-point lead at the interval.

In the second half, Gopperth and Kockott exchanged early penalties, then Gopperth and Sykes exchanged tries, leaving the Sharks with a 30-21 lead. Late tries to Smit for the Sharks and Auckland winger Joe Rokocoko maintained the margin.

Subscribe to The China Post and save 25%. Click here

SharePrintEmail

Write a Comment

Terms

Enter your comments - 3000 characters max

Type in image code

Submit

 Receive China Post promos
 Respond to this email