DURBAN, APRIL 21 – Aaron Cruden scored 13 points as the
Waikato Chiefs beat the Sharks 18-12 on Saturday to return to
the top of the Super Rugby table.
The home side enjoyed plenty of possession and territorial
superiority at Kings Park, but were let down by their handling
skills, allowing the visitors to make it seven wins in a row.
Flyhalf Cruden scored the first of his two tries in the 19th
minute, and the second came after a clever solo run by
replacement Augustine Pulu.
All the Sharks’ points came from the boot of their own
flyhalf, Patrick Lambie.
Victory was the second for the Chiefs on tour in South
Africa after they beat the Central Cheetahs last week.
“It’s a fantastic result,” Chiefs captain Craig Clark told
reporters. “It doesn’t happen too often (winning in South
Africa), so we’re pretty chuffed.”
John Plumtree’s Sharks dominated for large parts of the
first half but several try-scoring opportunities went begging
due to careless mistakes.
After 19 minutes Cruden ran through a gap in defence to
score under the posts following good phase play from his team
mates on the right.
The All Blacks number 10 followed it up by adding another
penalty on the half-hour.
Continued…
