Sharks show up in the second half to secure a bonus point win against the Scarlets

Sharks fullback Aphelele Fassi on his way to score a try during their United Rugby Championship game against the Scarlets at Kings Park Stadium in Durban on Friday

Sharks fullback Aphelele Fassi on his way to score a try during their United Rugby Championship game against the Scarlets at Kings Park Stadium in Durban on Friday. Photo: Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix

Published Mar 11, 2022

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Cape Town — The Sharks beat Scarlets 37-20 in their United Rugby Championship clash in Durban on Friday night.

It was an all-kicking affair in the early stages, and while the kicking wasn’t particularly good, the visitors looked threatening on attack and had two tries disallowed.

The Sharks owned the scrums — something which is to be expected given their all-Springbok front row — and they wore the visitors down in the final stages to seal the deal.

They came close to scoring a superb kick and chase by Sam Costelow, but the officials ruled that he was beaten to the touchdown.

They managed to get the scoreboard ticking shortly afterwards after winning a breakdown call went their way, with Costolow hitting his target to go 0-3 up.

The Welsh side threatened the try line again not too long afterwards, but Steff Evans foot grazed the touch line after a brilliant build-up.

They got three more points through Costolow to go 0-6 up, but the Sharks added points of their own towards the end of the opening quarter through flyhalf Curwin Bosch after Scarlets went offside (3-6).

The Sharks pivot missed two shots at goal thereafter, though, and while Scarlets produced a solid defensive effort to keep the hosts out as half time approached, a scrum penalty tk the Durban side allowed Bosch to level the scores just before half time (6-6).

The visitors got the opening try after a nifty lineout move saw Aaron Shingler go over (6-13), and the Sharks hit back with one of their own through they always-firing Aphelele Fassi (13-13).

Bosch Made up for his earlier kicking woes when he capitalised on Scott Williams being charged down (20-13).

Bosch landed a simple three-pointer after that (23-13), and with less than 10 minutes to go, they got their third try after Scarlets were yellow-carded for collapsing a maul (30-13).

While Evans got the Scarlets’ second try (30-20), the Sharks made use of their home advantage in hot conditions to score three tries in the final 20.

Sean Everett’s side got their bonus-point try in the 86th minute to end the game on 37-20.

Point scorers:

Sharks 37: Tries: Aphelele Fassi, Curwin Bosch, Marius Louw, Penalty try Conversions: Bosch (2), Joacquin Bonilla Penalties: Bosch (3)

Scarlets 20: Tries: Aaron Shingler, Steff Evans Conversions: Sam Costolow (2) Penalties: Costelow (2)

@WynonaLouw

IOL Sport