Sharks welcome rest after dominant URC victory over Cardiff

They will be back in action on Saturday, February 15, when they travel to Pretoria to take on the Bulls, but for now, will enjoy a small break to rest tired bodies and minds and start to integrate players back into the system ahead of the resumption of the tournament.

The Sharks have returned to Durban off the back of a gruelling two-match tour to Europe for Champions Cup and URC commitments, going into their min break high on confidence after securing a 42-22 victory over Welsh giants Cardiff Rugby last Saturday.

They were asked to empty the tank in this game and indeed left nothing in the changerooms with a dominant display of attacking and defensive rugby, a pressure set-piece, an 80-minute performance and the killer blow delivered thanks to the efforts of the bench.

After conceding an early try, the Sharks struck back through Bongi Mbonambi and from then on, the Durban side were in full command, never letting Cardiff back in the game.

Further first half tries by Jurenzo Julius and Makazole Mapimpi handed the Sharks a 21-10 half-time lead and they never looked back.

Although the home side did manage to add two further tries to their tally, the visiting Sharks were simply too good for their Welsh hosts, and a determined and energetic effort from the bench kept the Durban side on the front foot and in control.

"I was really pleased with the result," said Sharks head coach John Plumtree after the match.

He also paid tribute to the team his side leap-frogged on the URC table, saying, "I thought Cardiff were excellent and played some good attacking rugby and stressed our defence on a number of occasions."

Second half tries from both sides, with Francois Venter and Yaw Penxe sealing a most enjoyable and exciting effort for the Sharks.  At one stage, the scoreline was closer than their performance suggested, but the Durban side handled the pressure and turned it on their opposition.

"We had to strike back after they scored and keep that scoreboard pressure on them, through some good moments that we had. The critical thing in the last 15 minutes, was when we put the impact players on and how they closed the game out. I thought the front row was excellent and obviously Lukhanyo Am, Swys Venter and Jaden Hendrikse.

"We have a well-deserved break now for the boys and we look forward to getting back into it again."

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