Dunn lauds determined Sharks
We had dreadful weather in Durban leading up to this match. The Lions also had their fair share of rain in Johannesburg.
There was concern from both coaching camps about what kind of conditions we would have on Saturday. Fears were groundless as I could not have asked for better conditions on the day, it was extremely humid, terrible conditions for the opposition.
The Average
Elton Jantjies has come back from injury and I think that Johan Ackermann made a very big mistake fielding him in the starting XV. He should have played him off the bench rather. Boshoff also did not shine the way he normally does and had a subdued match.
The Awesome
Fransie was asked to step into the pivot role 1 hour before the match, (Lambie was not well), and he klapped it. The Fransie we all know and love is back with his monster boot. He fitted into the number ten role so perfectly it reminds you why he is so legendary. He really is such a gifted player that he can move between centre and flyhalf comfortably. He punished The Lions with penalty kicks as far as 55m. He is known as the Rocket Launcher in New Zealand! Be afraid, be very afraid!!
The Amazing
Paul Jordaan caught a grubber kick from Lwazi, juggled it in the air and amazingly jotted it down after eight minutes into the match. Cobus “The Hotstepper”Reinach, scored a beauty of a try.
The boys capitalised on a Jantjies error and Coetzee passed to Odwa, who calmly ran over for the third try. By this time, I was dancing and singing along with the rest of the ecstatic Durban crowd. The boys let the Lions back into the game and they scored two tries. This seemed to galvanise the side, however, The Sharks were not taking any nonsense.
Bismarck “Bliksem” Du Plessis, showed excellent leadership by not taking the easy penalty kicks that were awarded with three minutes to go, but rather took the lineouts instead. This decision was rewarded with a fourth try by Marcell.
In studio on Friday, I very clearly asked The Boys for four tries and a win and Bless them, they listen really well. I am so very proud and happy, not only with the bonus point, but also with the commitment shown by the team collectively. We are back to number one on the combined log and fully back on track with our campaign.
(File photo:Gallo Images)