Sharks rookies steal show as SA sides continue upward curve
Youngsters Jean-Luc du Preez (flank) and Curwin Bosch (replacement flyhalf) starred in the 37-14 Sharks win over the Waratahs on Saturday evening as the Durban team continued their impressive start to the 2017 Vodacom Super Rugby season.
Du Preez, who made his Springbok debut last November against Wales in Cardiff, was presented with the Man of the Match award for his striking performance in a dominant home pack of forwards. Bosch, a former SA Schools and Junior Springbok star, delivered a polished performance after replacing injured skipper Pat Lambie early in the first half, scoring 27 points through a try, two conversions and six penalties.
Earlier in Port Elizabeth, the visiting Stormers outscored the Southern Kings by six tries to one on their way to a comfortable 41-10. The team from Cape Town had several regulars missing because of injury and rotation led 17-3 at halftime.
The Sunwolves gave the Cheetahs a hard workout in their clash in Bloemfontein and the home side did well to edge the visitors 38-31 in a close-fought affair.
In the last fixture of the weekend played in Buenos Aires, home side the Jaguares defeated a reshuffled Lions side 36-24 after leading 21-7 at halftime.
After three rounds of matches, the Stormers lead the South African Group on 13 points from their three wins. They are followed by the Sharks, Jaguares, Lions and the Cheetahs who all have nine points.
The Vodacom Bulls and the Rebels both had byes over the weekend.