Cardiff Cruise Past 14-Man Sharks in Decisive URC Victory
Durban, May 18, 2024 (BBC Rugby Union) – Cardiff Rugby secured a dominant 36-14 triumph over the Sharks in their United Rugby Championship encounter at Durban’s Kings Park Stadium. The visitors capitalized on an early red card shown to Sharks flanker Tino Mavesere, surging to a bonus-point victory by the half-time break.
The turning point came just 20 minutes into the contest when Mavesere was dismissed for a dangerous shoulder-led challenge to the head of Cardiff and Wales full-back Cameron Winnett. The 14-man Sharks struggled to contain the clinical Cardiff attack, with tries from Alun Lawrence, Ben Donnell, Willis Halaholo, and James Botham handing the visitors a comfortable 26-7 lead at the interval.
“The turning point came just 20 minutes into the contest when Mavesere was dismissed for a dangerous shoulder-led challenge to the head of Cardiff and Wales full-back Cameron Winnett.”
Fly-half Ben Thomas was instrumental, kicking three conversions and a second-half penalty to extend Cardiff’s advantage. A late score from Wales back Mason Grady, converted by Thomas, capped off a comprehensive performance from the visitors, who claimed a rare five-point haul on the road.
The Sharks, missing their current Springboks contingent ahead of the EPCR Challenge Cup final, found consolation tries through centre Diego Appollis and replacement Curwin Bosch, but were ultimately outmatched in all facets of the game.
Cardiff’s clinical execution and disciplined gameplay proved too much for the 14-man Sharks, as the Welsh side secured a valuable bonus-point victory in their quest for URC success.
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