Griquas secured convincing victory over Sharks XV in Currie Cup match in Kimberley

Following a week of significant changes in Shark Tank, the Sharks team held its Carlin Cup tournament in the center of KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday evening, hosting the Boland team at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu. This match served as a fitting conclusion to a week when Sharks unveiled a new, bold identity, and this will not be the last time the Carlin Cup team travels to new communities in the province.

The game was played before an enthusiastic crowd; stadium entry was free, and the stands were filled with fan songs and barbecue smoke. Home fans also had reason to celebrate as Sharks defeated Boland with a score of 19:12, climbing in the Carlin Cup standings.

The trip to KwaMashu is part of Sharks' commitment to expanding rugby reach beyond the traditional arena at Kings Park and ensuring the team's accessibility to new communities across KwaZulu-Natal. This community initiative coincided with the organization's completion of an important week, during which it introduced an ambitious rebranding on Thursday.

Sharks adopted a fresh image, including a new logo and emblem, as part of a major overhaul aimed at modernizing the brand amid growing competition from leading European clubs in the Champions Cup and United Rugby Championship. These European giants are clubs, not franchises, provinces, or unions, and Sharks has now followed suit. The organization will be known as Sharks Rugby Club (SRC).

The rebranding includes two distinct visual styles. The SRC logo will serve as the club's corporate identity and will be placed on the chest of the playing jersey, while the iconic Sharkie emblem has been updated with a fiercer look.

Sharks owner, Marco Massotti, who grew up in Amanzimtoti on the southern coast of KwaZulu-Natal, stated that the changes are aimed at preparing the organization for the future without losing connection to the past. He emphasized: 'Sharks have never been a club that waits for the game around it to change. We have always believed in helping shape where rugby goes next.'

Massotti insists that this latest development is not a rejection of Sharks' history but a continuation of it. He noted: 'Professional sport has changed. Today, the clubs that thrive are those that are strong not only on the field. They are strong brands that develop communities, attract partners, and create experiences that fans want to be a part of.'

The visit to KwaMashu on Saturday evening served as a reminder that Sharks' future is tied not only to participation in major European competitions but also to bringing the team to the residents of KwaZulu-Natal.

Defending champions Griquas continued to demonstrate strong home form, securing a tight victory over visiting Lions with a score of 31:19 in the Currie Cup match, which took place on Saturday afternoon at Suzuki Stadium.

In the fourth round of the Carling Currie Cup tournament, held at Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley, Griquas defeated Lions 31:19. The team from Johannesburg arrived in the Northern Cape as one of the early stage leaders, but they faced the Griquas side, which was aiming for its third consecutive home win in this major fixture, replicating last season's final.

The hosts started the match more confidently and put pressure on Lions, who failed to convert the attacking potential characteristic of their early games of the season. Griquas' ability to turn pressure into points forced Lions to lag for a long time until Dylan Mart and Gurshwin Weir scored the first two touchdowns. Then flanker Tando Biela responded, taking the score to 13:7 at halftime.

In the second half, Whitehead earned a second penalty, and hooker Janice Winter broke through the maul, increasing Griquas' lead to 21:7. Shortly after, Bobby Alexander, the tournament's top scorer, scored the fourth touchdown, outmaneuvering the defense with a clever cross-kick into open space executed by Zane Bester.

Lions managed to respond thanks to free forward Jarrod Cairns as they began to increase the pressure. Center Bester was sent to the sin bin for repeated infringements, and the Lions team trailed 28:14 with 15 minutes left in the game. Griquas were forced to defend desperately with fourteen men. However, the visitors could not utilize the numerical advantage, as their play in the out-play proved to be a source of disappointment.

In the closing moments of the match, Whitehead reduced the pressure with goal kicks, and a veteran's drop goal helped calm the team's nerves, allowing Griquas to weather the storm and achieve an important victory with bonus points. Substitute Exauss Kevani scored a late touchdown for Lions, who returned to Johannesburg without a win.

At the end of the match, Griquas scored 31 points (13 touchdowns) — touchdowns were scored by Gurshwin Weir, Dylan Mart, Janice Winter, and Bobby Alexander; conversions were made by George Whitehead; Whitehead also scored penalties and a drop goal. Lions scored 19 points (7 touchdowns) — touchdowns were scored by Tando Biela, Jarrod Cairns, and Exauss Kevani; conversions were made by Sam Francis.