Sharks boss apologises to fans after Cardiff horror show

Sharks CEO Eduard Coetzee has apologised to their fans following Sunday's embarrassing 35-0 home defeat to Cardiff.

Not only did Cardiff make history by becoming the first Welsh team to win a URC game in South Africa, but they also did it in emphatic fashion, scoring 23 points in the first half and 12 more in the second as they blanked their hapless opponents in their own backyard.

And even though the Sharks were missing 10 players who were away on national duty, Coetzee admitted the result was still totally unacceptable.

"Cardiff were unbelievable and well-coached," Coetzee said in the post-match press conference. "They were clinical, dominated the set pieces, and used their opportunities well. But I want to apologise to our fans that came out in their droves in the rain... We had more than 7 000 fans on a Sunday in the wet.

"Our fans, our sponsors, our stakeholders, our owners do not deserve a performance such as that one... a lot of people put a lot of effort into this franchise and a display like tonight's does not reward them for their input."

The Sharks are now the lowest-ranked South African team on the URC standings, lying way down in 12th place with three wins and three defeats.

"Also know that we will not leave it there, we will turn this around we will get back on the horse. This was unlike the Sharks and everything possible will be done to rectify this and it will be done as soon as possible."

The Sharks will look to bounce back when they take on another Welsh side, Ospreys, on Friday evening.