Sharks need Cardiff follow-up to prove Munster wasn’t a fluke

Sharks players celebrate with Makazole Mapimpi after he scored one of his two tries during his 100th international match for the Durban union, coming in their 45-0 thrashing of Munster. Picture: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images The Sharks have been in erratic form lately, and need to beat a hurting Cardiff at home, convincingly if possible, to prove their whitewash over Munster on the weekend was not a fluke. The Durban union has won six out of 10 matches since JP Pietersen took over, at times showing evidence of resurgence under new management, and new captain André Esterhuizen, and at times falling back intoold familiar patterns.

Like his predecessor, Pietersen fielded second-string sides to his downfall, for instance being thumped 26-10 by Sale Sharks after dropping 13 Springboks for the game. However, he also saw teams mixed with youth and experience whip Clermont 50-12 and outplay the previously unbeaten Stormers, both home and away. After those momentous matches, the Sharks were in a strong position to win the United Rugby Championship South African shield.

They needed just one win against the Lions or Bulls. Instead, the Sharks lost both poorly (34-22 and 41-12) and forfeited the title to first-time winners,the Lions. Esterhuizen said every game was practically a must-win after that, if they wished to make the top eight and qualify for playoffs.

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The Sharks responded better than anyone could have predicted,beating 2022/23 winners Munster 45-0at Kings Park on Saturday. Pietersen said he wouldcherish the moment for the rest of his life, it being such a complete performance amidst adversity. On the same weekend, Cardiff, one place above Munster at fifth, werethrashed 40-7 by the Bullsat Loftus. The Welsh side now travel to Durban for their Friday night fixture, also in mixed form, with four wins from the last nine games.

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