The Griquas kicked off their Currie Cup campaign with a dramatic victory over the Sharks, coming back from a 17-point deficit at halftime to clinch the win with a last-minute penalty goal from Lubabalo Dobela. The Sharks held the lead until the 50th minute, but the Griquas’ relentless pressure and impressive tries saw them overtake their opponents in a thrilling finish.
Match Context
The match statistics reflect the Griquas’ dominance in carries, totaling 102 compared to the Sharks’ 75. Despite the Sharks’ strong first-half performance, they appeared to tire in the second half, allowing the Griquas to capitalize on key moments and secure a memorable victory.
Key Moments
First Half:
- 2′: Early try by Jooste gave the Sharks a 5-0 lead.
- 18′: Du Plessis extended the Sharks’ lead to 10-0.
- 20′: Hatton scored for the Sharks, making it 15-0.
- 21′: Another try by Cronje pushed the score to 17-0.
- 27′: Hatton struck again, and Cronje’s conversion made it 24-0.
- 29′: Sirgel scored the first points for the Griquas, converted by Dobela, narrowing the gap to 24-7.
- 30′: Dobela added a penalty goal for the Griquas, making it 24-10 at halftime.
Second Half:
- 50′: Hufke scored a try for the Griquas, reducing the deficit to 24-12.
- 51′: Dobela converted, bringing the score to 24-14.
- 59′: Dlamini’s try brought the Griquas closer at 24-19.
- 60′: Dobela’s conversion narrowed it further to 24-21.
- 63′: Xamlashe’s try gave the Griquas their first lead at 26-24.
- 71′: Du Rand extended the Griquas’ lead to 31-24.
- 74′: Keyter scored, narrowing the gap to 31-29.
- 75′: Cronje’s try brought the Sharks level at 31-31.
- 79′: Dobela sealed the victory with a last-minute penalty goal, making the final score 34-31.
Player Performances
Top Carries:
- Marco de Witt (Griquas) – 12
- Cameron Hufke (Griquas) – 11
- Mnombo Zwelendaba (Griquas) – 10
Top Tackles Completed:
- Tinotenda Mavesere (Sharks) – 16
- Reniel Hugo (Sharks) – 11
- Hanru Sirgel (Griquas) – 10
Tactical Analysis
The Griquas showcased a well-rounded performance, balancing strong defensive efforts with opportunistic attacking play. Their ability to exploit gaps in the Sharks’ defense, primarily through key players like Dobela and Xamlashe, was pivotal. The Sharks, despite their resilience and strong individual performances in the first half, struggled to maintain their lead and convert their possession into points in the second half, highlighting areas for improvement.
Statistical Summary
- Final Score: Sharks 31 – 34 Griquas
- Tries: Sharks 3 – 4 Griquas
- Conversions: Sharks 3 – 3 Griquas
- Penalty Goals: Sharks 0 – 1 Griquas
The Griquas’ opening victory in the Currie Cup sets a promising precedent for their campaign. As the season progresses, their resilience and strategic play will be crucial in navigating the challenges ahead.