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By Renaldo BothmaThe Sharks secured a win against Boland to move to two victories in this year's Currie Cup, and I won't pretend it was pretty. It was scrappy, it was nervy at times, and Boland made them work every minute of that second half. But here's what I know from playing the game at a high level for over a decade — character wins you Currie Cup campaigns, not just talent. And on Saturday night at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, this young Sharks group showed they have both.
The final scoreline of 19-12 flatters neither side, but the result is what matters. Coach Mike Vowles got what he needed heading into a big week for the Sharks, and the KwaMashu crowd gave his players exactly the energy they deserved.
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Boland CavaliersA Scrappy First Half Built on Discipline Problems
Boland drew first blood with a try before the Sharks responded, with Tim Swiel converting to settle the nerves. The yellow cards started piling up for the Cavaliers — two before the break, for an unnamed player and Lunathi Nxele — and the Sharks made them pay. Deon Slabbert crossed for a try, Swiel added the extras again, and the Sharks went into half-time with something to protect. From a tactical standpoint, the Cavaliers were their own worst enemy. That kind of ill-discipline gifts a quality side momentum and field position. The Sharks accepted the invitation.
The Second Half Was a Test of Nerve — and They Passed
This is where I think the real story of this match sits. James Tedder was yellow-carded for Boland early in the second half, and Khuthadzo Rasivhaga capitalised with a try that appeared to put the game to bed. But then the Sharks lost a player to the bin themselves, and Boland's Dewald Maritz crossed before the Cavaliers added a converted try to make it a genuine contest at 19-12. That final stretch was uncomfortable viewing. As a former No. 8, I know exactly what that pressure feels like when a lead starts to evaporate — bodies are tired, minds are making decisions under fatigue, and the team that holds its defensive shape wins. The Sharks held theirs.