Lucky Sithole
The first 15 minutes play out as expected. It’s an arm wrestle as the Sharks dominate at the scrum, the mauls and the breakdown.
But in spite of a two to one possession advantage to the Sharks the scores are tied with one penalty each.
Until Bulls fullback Canan Moody gets a great intercept, kicks ahead beautifully with the ball bouncing kindly for Madosh Tambwe for the first try of the match.
Minutes later Bongi Mbonambi gets credited with a try that belongs to the Sharks’ great forwards.
At the end of the first half the scores are even.
The Bulls, as a team is a classic example of the whole being greater than the sum of the parts. The Sharks is a good example of a star-studded team of individuals playing as individuals.
Time after time they set up scoring opportunities but make silly mistakes. Example: world class Makazole Mapimpi sets up a chance, Bosch kicks directly into touch, opportunity lost.
Can the Sharks deliver in the second half? Because if they do, they’ll win. Except the very well-organised Bulls are clearly not ready to lose.
Within five minutes the Bulls score through Marcel Coetzee while the Sharks concede three penalties giving the Bulls a seven point advantage. The Sharks respond with a great attacking opportunity – but literally and figuratively drop the ball.
From a forward battle, the Bulls swing the ball wide with three quick passes and Cornal Hendricks runs around for a try under the post.
The Bulls lead by two converted tries.
A promising opportunity for the Sharks goes bad with a forward pass from Curwin Bosch, resulting in Bosch pulling a face that does not influence the ref for one second – but is not a good sign for the Sharks .
With 20 minutes to go, Makazole Mapimpi gets a bad pass but fights his way out of trouble, ending in a well-worked try for Jordan Hendrikse.
With the Sharks now one converted try behind, the fight is well and truly on. Once again the Bulls are saved when, after a great attack, Lukhanyo Am is penalised for holding on in the scrum taking the heat off the Bulls.
The Sharks make all the running and if the Bulls have decided to defend their seven point lead that would be a mistake. They need to turn defence into attack and soon. But it is not to be.
The star-studded Sharks team finally come together with a great varied attack leading to Sikumbuzo Notshe scoring the try of the match.
Four minutes to go and the scores are level and the Bulls are still not doing anything to attack their opponents’ try line.
For one last time the well-organised Bulls forwards dominate the scrum for maul after maul until, a full three minutes into the red, the ball comes out to Chris Smith to score the winning drop goal.
A match to savour.
Bulls 30-27 Sharks
Bulls: Tries: Madosh Tambwe, Marcel Coetzee, Cornal Hendricks
Three conversions
Two penalties
One drop goal
Sharks: Tries: Bongi Mbonambi, Jaden Hendrikse, Sikumbuzo Notshe
Three conversion
Two penalties
Image source: @BlueBullsRugby
