Everitt content with Sharks’ last gasp win over Griquas

Sharks flyhalf Curwin Bosch produced another clinical performance with his boot and showed his big match temperament as he slotted a crucial penalty in the 83rd minute to secure a win on the road for the Durban outfit.

The late penalty snatched victory from the jaws of defeat after the Griquas had just put their noses in front with a penalty just before the full time hooter. 

Sharks bench proves the difference

The Griquas will rue their inability to hold onto an impressive lead midway through the second half. The hosts had built up a sizable, 23-10 lead over the Durbanites before the visitors staged a spirited fight back spurred on by some big performances by their reserves.

Fullback Manie Libbok, Sharks skipper Jeremy Ward and young utility forward Dylan Richardson scored second half tries for the visitors to help put them back in the game. 

Sharks coach Sean Everitt hailed his team’s patience and temperament to stay in the match despite trailing away from home against a physical Griquas outfit.

“I am very happy with the win, it’s not something that comes easily in Kimberley and tonight was an example of that. The guys showed great character in the fight back, staring down the barrel with 20 minutes to go. I thought the guys did well to stick to their processes and eventually claw their way back into the game,” the Sharks coach said after the match.

Set piece still needs work

Everitt also conceded that his team struggled somewhat in the set piece battle with the Griquas on Friday night. The Durban outfit have been looking to improve that area of the game but the Sharks coach conceded that they struggled in that area.

“I’m happy with the win but obviously our set piece needs work. We had made huge improvements over the last few weeks but unfortunately that didn’t go our way tonight. We mustn’t forget that the Griquas are a desperate team and tonight I thought they were outstanding,” Everitt said.

“The commitment and character they showed defensively, they can be proud of themselves and sometimes you feel for the opposition - but tonight we’ll take the win and I’ll give credit to my team for the way they fought back.”

The victory puts the Sharks in second place on the Super Rugby Unlocked log after five games. They trail the log-leading Bulls by two points with one round of action left to play. The Sharks have a date with the Stormers in Durban next weekend.