The Sharks got their 2012 Currie Cup campaign off to a winning start at the weekend with a hard-fought 25-22 victory over Western Province at a wet and windy Newlands stadium.
 
With the treacherous conditions making it difficult to play free-flowing rugby, the Sharks showed great character to battle back from a 10-point deficit at half-time to clinch a thrilling win.
 
Sharks coach John Plumtree said they would now look to build on that result as the Durban side prepares to take on the Lions at Mr Price King’s Park this Saturday.

“Sometimes you win ugly; it didn’t always look like we would get the result, but we fought hard, we hung on and managed to win. Sometimes that’s what the game is all about, winning the hard way. But it’s a start for us and we will get better. Any away win in this competition is great.”

Plumtree added that they knew it would be another massive battle against the defending champions this weekend.

“It will be good to play at home for the first time in a while, but the Lions are going to be tough, they haven’t lost a lot of players (to the Springbok squad). They are fortunate in that they have consistency in selection, certainly they will be one of the favourites to win this trophy, so it will be a big task for us.”

Scorers
The Sharks: 25 (3)
Tries: Paul Jordaan, Craig Burden (2)
Conversions: Meyer Bosman (2)
Penalties: Meyer Bosman (1)
Drop-Goal: Riaan Viljoen

Western Province: 23 (13)
Tries: Tiaan Liebenberg, Deon Fourie
Conversions: Joe Pietersen (2)
Penalties: Joe Pietersen (3)