Sharks (24) 50
Sunwolves (3) 22
The Sharks leave on Sunday for Canberra to play the Brumbies for the first leg of their four-match overseas tour, and they could not have had a better morale boost their half- century win over the Sunwolves.
The Sharks had entered the third-round fixture having garnered just three points from a possible 10 from matches against the Lions and the Waratahs — they had a bye in round two — and a full house five points was non-negotiable ahead of their tour
The Sunwolves were never going to be a pushover and coach Robert du Preez was pleased with the seven-tries to three victory.
Wing Makazole Mapimpi was rested against the Waratahs and came into the side for Kobus van Wyk and struck twice to continue his superb scoring record.
The first half saw the Japanese enjoy territorial advantage but the Sharks showed tenacity on defence and then built momentum on counter-attack to build try-attacking opportunities.
The Sharks showed patience and from a 24-3 half time lead they overwhelmed the Sunwolves in the second half.
The Durban side’s strong early efforts were handsomely rewarded when within the first ten minutes, Makazole Mapimpi was rewarded with a try from the blindside wing.
Flyhalf Robert du Preez was on song with this kicking boot and the Sharks enjoyed a handy 10-0 lead at the first-quarter mark.
The Sunwolves were on top in the second quarter but they could not score and the Sharks broke out along the openside touchline and hooker Akker van der Merwe scored, with Robert du Preez nailing the conversion to give the Sharks a 13-0 at 30 minutes
The Sunwolves continued with their attacking resolve but the Sharks defence was up to it from punter-attacks, the tries kept coming.
Sharks – Tries:
Mapimpi (2), Van der Merwe, Mtembu, Vermeulen, Nkosi, Wright. Conversions: Du Preez (5), Bosch. Penalties: Du Preez.
Sunwolves –Try:
Lemeki, Van der Walt, Tupou. Conversion: Matsushima, Nakamura. Penalty: Tatekawa.