The Cell C Sharks returned from their Australasian tour at the top of the Vodacom Super Rugby log. The Durbanites beat the Blues for the 10th consecutive time, by 29-23, in Albany on Friday morning. They won three from four on tour Down Under, which is equal to their best tour ever in 2009, and bagged 13 log points in Australasia, firming their grip of the top spot on the standings after four tough games abroad.
The visitors controlled the game very well in the first half and took the points whenever they were available. Their defence was yet again superb and they competed very well on the ground, but the basis was laid by a strong set piece.
Frans Steyn contributed 16 points via the boot, which included a drop goal, as he moved past 100 competition points at the North Harbour Stadium.
Bismarck du Plessis crashed over for the only try in the first half and Cobus Reinach rounded off after a loose ball was hacked through, which gave the Cell C Sharks a nice cushion with 25 minutes left in the game.
Scorers:
- Blues – Tries: Luke Braid, Tevita Li. Conversions: Simon Hickey, Ihaia West. Penalty goals: Hickey (2), West.
- Cell C Sharks – Tries: Bismarck du Plessis, Cobus Reinach. Conversions: Frans Steyn (2). Penalty goals: Steyn (3), SP Marais. Drop goal: Steyn.
