By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@GalloImages.
Sharks coach John Plumtree hailed the calming influence of Springbok prop Ox Nche after his team’s gutsy victory against the Vodacom Bulls at Kings Park on Saturday.
A depleted Sharks side hit by three late withdrawals, including captain Siya Kolisi, dug deep to win 20-17 in front of a 34,000 festive-season crowd.
At the post-match press conference, Plumtree described both the match and the scrum battle as “incredibly tough”.
We were struggling upfront,” he admitted. “Ox’s experience came through strongly and he brought a lot of calmness.
“[Lock] Jason Jenkins was equally impressive, and [flank and Man of the Match] Manu Tshituka was simply outstanding.
“We want to bring the love back to Durban with our rugby, the support tonight was incredible, and I am incredibly proud of the team,” he added.
The Sharks will now travel to Cape Town to face the DHL Stormers, who beat the Lions 29-10 on Saturday to end a four-match losing streak.
The Lions are now in seventh place on 19 points, although the Stormers still find themselves lower down the standings in 13th position with 16 points.
Scorers:
DHL Stormers 29 (15) – Tries: Joseph Dweba (2), Suleiman Hartzenberg, Leolin Zas, Neethling Fouche. Conversions: Manie Libbok (2).
Emirates Lions 15 (10) – Tries: Edwill van der Merwe, Franco Marais.
Meanwhile a key member of the Stormers engine room has agreed to a six-month deal with Japanese club Toyota Verblitz, starting 1 January.
Lock Adre Smith’s agent, Michael Thomas, confirmed the move.
The 27-year-old Smith, who is understood to have also attracted interest from French outfit Perpignan, will return to the Stormers in June. His current contract runs until 2027.