The Cell C Sharks moved top of the Vodacom Super Rugby log after outclassing the Jaguares 33-19 at Jonsson Kings Park on Saturday.
The hosts justified the favoritism status three minutes into the game with Hyron Andrews scoring the first try which Curwin Bosch failed to convert, but the in-form flyhalf was later named man of the match.
Bosch was used more as a fullback last season and he thanked the current technical team for showing faith in him in the number 10 jersey, where the 22-year-old has excelled as this season’s leading Super Rugby points scorer.
Speaking to the press after the game, Cell C Sharks coach Sean Everitt praised his players. “I’m incredibly proud of them [the players]. We spoke about energy and enthusiasm which is what we all saw today and credit must go to the entire squad for how they handled themselves this weekend and the performance they put in,” said the Sharks mentor.
When asked about Curwin Bosch’s man of the match performance, Everitt was quick to compliment the flyhalf. “Credit to Curwin for the accuracy in those box kicks but don’t forget how we handled them out of the air, we turned them over with some great areal skills from [Makazole] Mampimpi and [Sbu] Nkosi,” added the coach.
The Sharks, however, didn’t finish the game well and the players looked tired toward the latter stages with the visitors closing the gap and ensuring that the KZN franchise couldn’t claim a bonus point. “I don’t think there was a lack of effort, but you are right fatigue will always set-in in the last 20 minutes or so after a long journey like that,” he concluded.
The Sharks are now top of the South African and the combined conferences after winning five of their first six outings. Next up is another home game against the injury-hit Stormers on 14 March, kick-off is at 17:15.
