Rugby supporters flock to Ashton for Sharks vs Bulls pre-season friendly

Rugby fans young and old braved the hot summer sun to enjoy an afternoon of rugby at Ashton College on Saturday as the Cell C Sharks went head to head against the Vodacom Bulls in a pre-season friendly clash.

Approximately 3000 tickets were sold out with spectators filling the stands.

A few who were unable to get their hands on tickets even picked a spot on the grass alongside the M4 leading past the school, hoping to get a glimpse of the game.

The experience was a real treat, as spectators were able to enjoy the game up-close, sitting right on the field alongside big name players, with a total of 22 Springboks across both teams, including Handre Pollard, Curwin Bosch and S’busiso Nkosi.

The game got off to a slow start, with the teams playing a typical friendly game, making sure the players walked off injury free, all while giving the crowd a good game to enjoy.

Local favourite Beast Mtawarira had an outstanding game, putting in a few big hits on Schalk Brits, however Brits soon went in for the first try of the game, converted by Handré Pollard.

The Sharks quickly fought back with a try from Cameron Wright, converted by Curwin Bosch. This would ultimately be the final numbers on the score board as the game went into a scoreless second half, the final score being 7-7.

GALLERY: Click here for more pics

This weekend’s match against the Bulls was their final one before opening their Super Rugby campaign against the Sunwolves in Tokyo on February 16.

The Bulls will host the Stormers next Saturday in their Super Rugby opener.

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