Sharks coach takes stock after Pumas loss
The Sharks travelled to Nelspruit to take on the Pumas at the Mbombela Stadium. A spirited performance from the hosts in the first half all but buried the Durban outfit, who trailed 27-7 at half time.
Sharks coach Gary Gold said the Pumas' strong showing from the get-go put them too far out of reach.
"Obviously I'm disappointed with the result. I thought we were poor in the first half but played against a very spirited Pumas team. I thought they were very good at the breakdown and they out-muscled us in the first half. At 27-7, I suppose by-and-large the game was nearly done," Gold said.
The coach made it clear that he would back his young and upcoming players in the domestic competition earlier this week. Considering that fact, he took solace in the performances of his younger charges.
"I'm really happy with the character the young guys showed after half time to come back and stay in the fight. At 24-30 I thought we were still in with a chance but a couple of errors and injuries hampered us," Gold said.
"Thomas du Toit and Lourens Adriaanse getting injured was quite disruptive. But credit must be given to this Pumas team, they are not Vodacom Cup champions for nothing. I think they are going to be a very difficult team to beat at Mbombela Stadium."
Gold tipped his hat to Monde Hadebe, Du Toit, replacement prop Juan Schoeman, Australian lock Dave McDuling and Michael Claassens for good performances.
The Sharks scored tries through flyhalf Lionel Cronje, Heimar Williams and Daniel du Preez.
Next up for the Durban outfit is a clash with EP Kings at Growthpoint Kings Park next weekend.
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