‘Work rate in first half questionable’

The visitors however eased to victory, winning the friendly encounter 50-33.

The Sharks ran in eight tries through fly half Danrich Visagie, Alwayno Visagie, vice-captain Johan Deysel, Jordan Els, Morné Joubert (3), Aphelele Fasi and eighthman and captain, Keegan Daniels.

Visagie was on form with the boot, slotting five conversions.

The Pumas struggled to make inroads in the first half, with Johann Vermaak scoring the only try for the home side. Kobus Marais failed to add the two points.

Up until the 60th minute, it looked as if the Pumas still had a chance to clinch the game. They trailed by 10 points, but a late try by Daniels snatched the win for the Sharks.

The Pumas were eager to narrow the gap with some great play by eighthman Willie Engelbrecht, Morgan Naudé and fullback Devon Williams, who each scored a try. Barend Smit scored a consolation five-pointer for his team, converting his own try.

This was the last opportunity for the Pumas ahead of the Super Sport Rugby Challenge, which is set to kick off on Saturday April 21. The Pumas will start their campaign against the Blue Bulls at Nelspruit Rugby Club.

Notes from coach Brent Janse van Rensburg

• We started poorly and put ourselves in a position where we had to play catch-up rugby
• We won the second half 28-12

We only have ourselves to blame for and error ridden game in which we:

1. Lost possession too easily not putting the Sharks’ defence under enough pressure

2. We didn’t exit well out of our own half

3. Work rate during the first half was questionable

4. Lastly our system execution was just inaccurate on the day.

Every player has a job to do and it will be very important each player to execute his role accurately.

There are solutions to this and everyone just needs to knuckle down and be more accurate.

Photos: Hennie Homann / www.hhphotoxpress.co.za