Dawn Dunn all smiles after Christchurch win
The last time a team from SA won there was in 2001. Out of 17 times that the teams have faced each other, the ‘Saders have won 14 of those encounters. The last time the 2 sides played each other, was in Durban and the boys won that one.
All the NZ media focused on this week, was the recent excellent form shown by 7 times Super Rugby champs, The Crusaders and the history of SA teams in Christchurch. Jake made a statement, that records are meant to be broken. The entire rugby world was watching this encounter and all bets were on The ‘Saders coming away with a win.
The Ugly
The referee, Rohan Hoffman, really only monitored 1 side during this encounter. Jean Deysel received a red card, however, the ‘Sader defender also committed an offence by holding onto his leg when he clearly did not have the ball. He should have received a yellow card for that offence. There were numerous penalties committed by the ‘Saders which were ignored by the ref. However, he was very quick to punish the Sharks harshly, including a yellow card for Willem, that reduced the team to 13 men. High tackles were overlooked, tackling the player without the ball incidents were completely ignored and Hoffman displayed total bias against the boys. It is very difficult when the team has to play against 16 men!!!
The Absolutely Awesome
From kick-off the boys just klapped it. Sithole scored the first try off a wonderful pass by our Fransie. Fransie once again showed why he is rated so highly in world rugby, by kicking over numerous penalties. After the red card in the 16th minute, my heart literally sank. This, however, just seemed to strengthen the boys resolve. Incredibly they went into half-time with the ‘Saders only leading by 3! Cobusie was absolutely amazing.
The lead changed hands several times. Nothing seemed to shake the boys sheer determination and gutsy performance. They shrugged off a red card and then a yellow and totally refused to give up. Kyle’s amazing try sealed the win. This is the Shark’s team that I have been missing in recent weeks. The Sharks defended and each player did the work of 2 men. This win is historic and will go down in the rugby history books as one of the greatest, against-the-odds wins, in recent memory. It is a credit to SA rugby and a totally inspirational example, of what can be achieved as a team if you believe in one another. I am so incredibly emotional about this win and so very proud of my darling boys. The kids and I screamed and danced around when the final whistle blew.
This is the greatness that I know the boys can achieve as a team. And so this very exciting journey, from Good to Great, continues with the boys very firmly on top of the overall log. I am so happy, I will be smiling for months!
(File photo:Gallo Images)