Gold grateful for Sharks' gutsy win over Highlanders

The Sharks managed to break their three-match losing streak in a hard-fought tussle with the Super Rugby champions.

Although they had the numerical advantage over the Highlanders, who played most of the game with 14 men after Jason Emery was red-carded for a dangerous mid-air challenge on Willie le Roux, the Sharks did well to beat the hosts in Dunedin.

Two yellow cards didn’t help the Sharks’ cause but their water-tight defence proved to be their saving grace. The Highlanders managed to score the only try of the night in spite of the visitors’ best efforts, but Garth April’s boot kept the Sharks in the game and eventually kicked them to victory.

Mention must be made of the Sharks bench which brought energy and physicality when they needed it most. Jean Deysel in particular was busy in his first Super Rugby appearance this season and will definitely have Gold pondering over his starting XV selection for their final match on tour.

Reflecting on the match, the Sharks boss summed up how important a win over the reigning champions was.

“We’re quite relieved to come away with a victory in a very hard fought game. We knew it was going to be difficult down in Dunedin playing against the current champions. There was added pressure with the fact that they had lost to the Reds a couple of weeks before.  They definitely identified us as a team they should get an easy win over,” Gold said.

“What I’m most proud of is that a year ago the Sharks team that came here and not only played particularly poorly but towards the latter end of the game actually gave up which was disappointing.”

In the past year and a half, the Sharks have played in their fair share of games where players have been sin-binned. Friday’s clash was another instance, but Gold refused to accept that the Highlanders were easier to beat after they were reduced to 14 men.

“They’re a good defensive team and a lot of people are saying we played against 14 men. They only lost their man after 13 minutes or so and for 20 minutes in the rest of the game we played with 14 men as well. I’m not justifying that, I’m just saying against a quality team like that at home, to keep them out was a credible performance,” Gold insisted.

The Sharks have continued to tick their boxes on defence but they are still struggling to find fluidity on attack. They have showed glimpses of good phase play but simple errors seem to be costing them.

Gold hasn’t shied away from the fact that his team isn’t scoring as many tries as they’d like to be.

“I suppose a lot of people can find fault in the fact that we haven’t scored tries. I think there was a lot of intent shown, there were some fantastic phases with Garth and Willie running the show. Our build up and confidence is getting there. In saying that, they only scored one try against us and it was a very well taken try.

“All in all, coming to New Zealand, putting up a good performance and getting the result is what it is all about. It’s disappointing that we haven’t scored tries; we’re certainly putting a lot of time and attention into it.

“But I’m not going to apologise for the fact that I feel the boys showed character and fight to hold out for what is a memorable victory over here. It’s a difficult place to come to especially when their reigning champions,” Gold said.

Next up for the Sharks is a date with the Chiefs. The Waikato outfit grabbed a one-point win over the Hurricanes and will fancy themselves to beat the Sharks.

“Another big challenge lies ahead of us – the top-of-the-table Chiefs who got a great win this weekend. They’re playing fantastic rugby and are comfortably the best team in New Zealand at the moment. We know we’ve got our work cut out but we’re excited for the challenge,” Gold said

“The spirit is good in the camp and the guys can’t wait to get to New Plymouth to take on the Chiefs and hopefully make it a memorable tour.”

Kickoff is at 09h35 on Friday morning. 

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