Dion Slabbert's return gives Sharks team momentum ahead of Currie Cup match against Lions

The Griquas team, currently leading the tournament table, defeated Sharks XV with a score of 55:21 in the Currie Cup match held in Kimberley on Friday evening. This victory strengthened Griquas' position in their bid to defend the domestic championship title.

During the game, flyhalf George Whitehead contributed to the large win by scoring two extra points. Griquas demonstrated superiority over Sharks XV, despite the Durban-based team having recently lost 54:0 to the All Blacks on Tuesday.

The total score scored in the two matches over five days exceeded 100 points, which is a significant signal, although the opponents were very strong: first the New Zealand national team, likely participating in the first test match against the Springboks on August 22, and then the confident Griquas team against the young Sharks players.

The first half of the match was particularly exciting. The home team took the lead and had a 19:0 advantage by the end of the first quarter. However, Sharks resisted tenaciously and managed to equalize just before halftime, bringing the score to 21:19. But Sharks' joy was short-lived, as Griquas scored the final play of the half, regaining the lead and heading into the locker rooms with a 26:21 advantage.

In the second half, Griquas continued to dominate. Wing Dylan Mart scored his second try, increasing the lead to 31:21. Fifteen minutes before the end of the match, Taan Lange scored, and Liam Cohen, who replaced George Whitehead at flyhalf, successfully converted it. Cohen is the son of former Springboks flyhalf Louis Cohen.

Two minutes later, Cohen failed to convert Lange's second try, but by the time the score reached 43:21, Griquas already had a significant lead. The Sharks' defensive line began to weaken, and they conceded a series of penalties—10 in the last 30 minutes. Lange completed a hat-trick, taking the score to 48:21, turning the game into a rout. Mart delivered the final blow, completing his hat-trick, and Cohen added a conversion, securing an overwhelming 55:21 victory.

Scorers statistics: Griquas: Tries — Janus Winter, penalty try, Dylan Mart (3), Bobby Alexander, Taan Lange (3). Conversions — George Whitehead (2), Liam Cohen (2). Sharks XV: Tries — Tino Mavesere, Tim Swiel, Johan Mommsen. Conversions — Luan Gillium, Tim Swiel (2).

Before the match as part of the 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry' (RGR) tour, the All Blacks demonstrated a haka before their game against the DHL Stormers in Cape Town on Friday. However, given the cold and damp conditions in Durban on Tuesday, the New Zealand national team is likely to feel more comfortable than the home side.

The second match of the RGR tour will take place in the cold and rainy Kings Park on Tuesday evening, and the atmosphere will resemble Dunedin rather than Durban. Rain and a sharp drop in temperature have turned the Shark Tank stadium into a damp environment, with air temperatures expected to be around 11°C by the start of the game at 19:00.

The All Blacks team is unlikely to be affected by such conditions. Moreover, the Sharks hope that the slippery surface and cold will serve as a leveling factor against the New Zealand team, which is very similar to the one set to meet the Springboks in the first test match at Ellis Park on August 22.

Team Composition and Preparation

Coach JP Pietersen assembled a team full of potential, including four current junior Springboks and one Blitzbok in the backline. Among the reserves are also three Baby Boks who form the reserve front line.

Nevertheless, the potential is insufficient when facing a team that defeated Ireland and France in July. Formally, it looks like a clash of youth against experienced players, and it is expected that the All Blacks will have too much attacking power for the Sharks.

The situation became more complicated for Pietersen ahead of the match due to injuries to experienced locker Emile van Heerden and flanker Vincent Tshituka. Pietersen admitted that the team's resources are under pressure. He noted: 'The Stormers lost two scrum-halves during the game against the All Blacks, so there is always a risk of injury. I will keep my fingers crossed.'

He added that they are preparing the players in the best way possible to allow them to be strong and competitive against the All Blacks. 'Obviously, we won't be at 100 percent, but we will be at our best level at 70 or 80 percent. We will give everything we can and see how it goes.'

The Sharks will be captained by Number 8 Nick Hatton, and promising playmaker Vusi Moyo will once again take the Number 10 position. Experienced Ma’a Nonu is an interesting option on the bench.

For their part, the New Zealanders named an impressive combination led by captain Luke Jacobson. Damian McKenzie will play fullback, Jordie Barrett will play inside centre, Caleb Clarke will play wing, and Ruben Love will play playmaker. The attacking line includes Wallace Sititi, Tupou Vaa’i, Ethan de Groot, and Fletcher Newell.

The All Blacks reserve squad also possesses significant experience in tests and power, posing a serious challenge to the Sharks in cold and damp conditions. Nevertheless, for the home team, this match is important not only for the result but also for the opportunity. The young Sharks have a chance to compare themselves to the team that is gearing up for the Springboks.

Sharks squad: 15 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 14 Donovan Don, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Murray Koster, 11 Litelihle Bester, 10 Vusi Moyo, 9 Bradley Davids, 8 Nick Hatton (captain), 7 Manu Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Deon Slabbert, 4 Hendre Stassen, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Nemo Roelofse. Reserves: 16 Liam van Wyk, 17 Rambo Kubekha, 18 Simphiwe Ngobese, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Matt Romao, 21 Ivan van Zyl, 22 Luan Giliomee, 23 Ma’a Nonu.

New Zealand squad: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Fehi Fineanganofo, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Kyle Preston, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Luke Jacobson (captain), 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Josh Lord, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Ethan de Groot. Reserves: 16 Bradley Slater, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Ethan Blackadder, 20 Semisi Ta’eiloa, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23 Emoni Narawa.

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.