Cell C Sharks do the Business – Featured Durban Blog

The Cell C Sharks went into their Currie Cup clash against the EP Kings knowing that a bonus point victory was not-negotiable, and despite the terrible conditions, showed remarkable focus to secure a 53-0 victory on Saturday afternoon.

A water-logged Growthpoint KINGS PARK field greeted the two teams following a strong downpour that had struck Durban and continued to come down during the match.

Although the conditions might have suggested a territory-based kicking game might be employed, Head Coach Robert du Preez said before the game that they were aiming for a five pointer which indicated their intent to score tries.

This was clear from the start, and following a strong run with the forwards prominent, Andre Esterhuizen scored one of his easiest tries after powerful ball-carrier Jean-Luc du Preez sucked in defenders and then offloaded, keeping the ball alive for the big centre to score inside the opening five minutes.

The rain made handling difficult, but it was EP who struggled most, with the Cell C Sharks handling the conditions much better. If accuracy and taking their chances when presented (and in this case, created) was a problem before, there was no sign of it in this match.

The conditions were in no way conducive to clinical rugby, but the Cell C Sharks seemed to revel in the possession they had created or stole.

Not 10 minutes after scoring their first try, Chiliboy Ralepelle was the man in possession at the back of a lineout drive and he made no mistake when he scored his team’s second try, well converted by Curwin Bosch for a 12-nil lead within a quarter of an hour’s play.

Halfway to their aim of scoring four (or more tries), things were looking good for the home team. Their pack, heavier by more than 50kg, was dominating at lineout and scrum time, and the Kings, winless this campaign, were doing themselves no favours committing a number of indiscretions.

The forwards were having a field day at both the set-pieces and in loose play, and a second driving maul, this one of 15m, led to the third try inside the 20 minute mark, Jean-Luc du Preez this time as EP simply had no answer to the Cell C Sharks’ dominance.

The bonus point try came on the half hour mark thanks to a wonderful break from Curwin Bosch who collected a grubber 40m out, and turned absolutely nothing into something extra-special. Splintering the defence, he crossed the Kings’ 22, timed his pass to Inny Radebe perfectly and the flyhalf carried two desperate defenders over in the corner. Bosch’s touchline conversion pushed the Cell C Sharks into a commanding 24-nil lead.

After two losses, they had known that their destiny in the Currie Cup was in their own hands, especially in the fight for a top two finish and the reward of a home semi-final. In this game they really showed that they had accepted the task. And were relishing the opportunity of making good on that promise.

Although the crowd was enjoying the winning rugby, they saved their biggest cheer for Pat Lambie who made his long-awaited return to rugby , given 35 minutes of game time by the coach.

Further tries came from Francois Kleinhans (who earned himself a double), Etienne Oosthuizen who had a storming game, Wandile Mjekevu and then Khaya Majola on the stroke of full-time to bring up the half century.

It was an outstanding effort given the pressure they faced from other teams in the competition, scoring eight tries is one thing, but keeping your opponents scoreless for the full 80 minutes say something about the defence and for that, they must certainly feel very proud.

The win propels them back into second spot, knocking the Blue Bulls into third on superior points difference, and they will now enjoy a welcome break with a bye next weekend.