March 31 (Reuters) – The Sharks survived a late challenge to
break a 14-year drought in Canberra by grinding down the ACT
Brumbies 29-26 in their Super Rugby match on Saturday.
The Brumbies’ replacement Nic White snatched an 80th minute
try and Christan Lealiifano’s conversion put the home side
within three points but the Sharks repelled a desperate drive
after the whistle to notch their first win at Canberra Stadium
since 1998.
“It was a great encounter, both teams played some real
running rugby … I’m very proud of the boys,” Sharks captain
Keegan Daniel said in a pitchside interview.
“We haven’t had too much success here or in Sydney, so we’re
very happy to pull off a win here.”
Fullback Riaan Viljoen scored a brace of tries in the first
half and flanker Willem Alberts added another after the break
before winger Lwazi Mvovo scored a fourth in the 62nd minute to
give the Durban-based Sharks a bonus point.
The win was the Sharks’ third from six matches in the season
and was made easier by a pair of howling errors from the
Brumbies.
The hosts were kicking themselves six minutes before
halftime when winger Odwa Ndugane intercepted an ambitious pass
and fed Viljoen for the Sharks’ second try.
Another shambolic error in defence gifted the Sharks their
third and a six-point lead four minutes after the break.
Flyhalf Matt Toomua knocked the ball out of the air back
towards the Brumbies’ try-line where winger Henry Speight
fumbled, allowing Sharks flanker Alberts to poke the ball over
with his foot and fall on top of it at the left post.
Continued…
