The Pumas dominated in the first half, scoring four tries, three by left-winger Phiko Sobahle. The first of Sobahle’s three tries was scored within the first 6 minutes of the game and inside centre Clinton Swart converted it. He scored his second, unconverted try only seven minutes later.

Lionel Cronje finally got the Sharks on the board thanks to a successful penalty goal, but prop Eduan Swart went over the line just a few minutes later for another Pumas try. Sobahle scored his third try before the half-hour mark.

The Sharks scored one unconverted try in the first half, courtesy of Pretoria-born Eduan Keyter, and Clinton Swart added more points in the form of a penalty kick to bring the half-time score to 27-8 in favour of the Pumas.

‘A final penalty goal by Clinton Swart ended the game in a draw’

The Sharks had a mountain to climb in the second half, and they took the first step one minute into the second half when left-wing Jaco Williams scored. Outside centre Litelihle Bester and flanker Jannes Potgieter joined the party and brought the Sharks back into the game with the scoresheet at 27-27 at the end of the third quarter.

But the Pumas’ never-say-die attitude saw scrumhalf Ross Braude score twice – both tries converted by Clinton Swart. However, the Sharks weren’t done yet and skipper Nick Hatton, hooker Dan Jooste and prop Dan Bleuler all went over the line to keep the Sharks in the game. A final penalty goal by Clinton Swart ended the game in a draw.

The Pumas will travel to Johannesburg next weekend to face the Lions, while the Sharks will host the Griquas in Durban on 11 August.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger mvh/cg