Sharks Narrowly Defeat Stormers in Thrilling Durban Clash

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi was among the try-scorers as the Sharks narrowly overcame the Stormers 21-15 in a Vodacom Rugby Championship match at Kings Park Stadium on Saturday.

Despite dominating their last six meetings, the Stormers failed to secure a try against a Sharks team strengthened by several Springboks.

Nonetheless, they capitalized on a mistake from the Sharks. Aphelele Fassi intercepted an offload from the Stormers but lost possession. Despite this error, the referee awarded a penalty try to the Stormers due to their numerical advantage on the short side. Fassi received a yellow card in the closing moments of the match.

The Stormers came into the game having won their last six Vodacom Rugby Championship matches against the Sharks, including two victories in the previous season.

However, the Sharks quickly took control, with Ethan Hooker scoring after dodging multiple desperate Stormers defenders. Kolisi soon followed, breaking through three Stormers players to score.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu put the Stormers on the scoreboard with a drop goal in the 23rd minute but missed a subsequent penalty. He was later substituted due to a head injury sustained in a collision with Trevor Nyakane, with Manie Libbok coming on in his place.

The Sharks controlled the first half, leading 14-3 at halftime, further benefiting from a sin-bin for Ruhan Nel.

In the second half, the Sharks seemed to extend their lead through Hooker, but the try was ruled out due to an obstruction penalty involving Vincent Tshituka, who appeared to impede Stormers player Andre Hugo-Venter.

Andre Esterhuizen, competing for the Springbok number 12 jersey, scored a try for the Sharks, finishing off a quick offload from Grant Williams.

The final moments were tense. Fassi made a crucial interception to prevent a Stormers try but knocked the ball on. The Stormers launched a late assault, and Libbok looked to have scored a try, but the referee ruled that he knocked the ball forward during the ruck.

This narrow victory was a significant achievement for the Sharks, who had struggled against the Stormers in previous encounters.