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Resurfacing Sharks smash Hurricanes 39-21, take Super 12 lead
DURBAN, South Africa (AP) -- Springbok hooker John Smit led his Sharks to an emphatic 39-21 victory Saturday over the Hurricanes at King's Park to go top of the Super 12 log. Captaining the Sharks in the absence of injured veteran Springbok lock Mark Andrews, Smit unveiled a new open style of play by the Sharks as they scored their first bonus point for four tries in a match. The match was played at a frenetic pace throughout, and only a series of handling lapses by the Hurricanes kept them from scoring in the first half, as the Sharks scored three to lead 20-7 at the break. The Hurricanes actually crossed the line twice in the first half before getting their first try. Tana Umaga dropped the ball as he went over, and Jonah Lomu touched the corner flag before he grounded the ball. The Sharks soaked up the punishment and scored a try through Stefan Terblanche from a clever penalty kick in the process. Then, they struck twice in the final 10 minutes of the half, with tries from Justin Swart and Charl van Rensburg after the Sharks spread the ball wide more readily than they have done all season so far. Replacement flyhalf Tanner Villi grabbed one try back just before the break. The Hurricanes wilted in the Durban heat and humidity in the second half, although they looked dangerous on attack when they were able to hold onto possession. The Sharks secured their bonus point with a try by Albert van den Berg 13 minutes into the second half. Although the Hurricanes scored twice more through Umaga and Paul Steinmetz, Sharks flyhalf Butch James kept the Sharks comfortably in front with three penalties. For the Hurricanes, Lomu had a nightmare match, knocking on in pressure situations, and making a host of other unforced errors. For the Sharks, it was vindication for the patience of coach Rudolf Straueli, who has taken flak for an unimaginative gameplan so far this season. That criticism was laid to rest as the Sharks attacked with both abandon and precision. Scorers: Sharks -- Tries, Stefan Terblanche, Justin Swart, Charl van Rensburg, Albert van deb Berg; conversions, Butch James (2); penalties, James (4). Hurricanes -- Tries, Tanner Villi, Tana Umaga, Paul Steinmetz; conversions, Daryl Lilley (2), Villi. Referee: Andrew Cole, Australia.
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