Sharks maul Western Force

The Coastal Sharks moved into Super 14 finals calculations with a convincing 41-25 mauling of the Western Force at the ABSA Stadium in Durban this morning (Aus time).

Following a draw against the Cats and their historic maiden win last weekend over the Cheetahs, the Force were eager to avoid the wooden spoon and remain unbeaten on their South African tour.

However, with the Brumbies going down to the Crusaders on Friday evening, all the Sharks needed was to pick up a four-try bonus point and win this match by more than 10 points to move ahead into fourth spot.

Signs looked good at half time of this task being completed after the home team scored three of their five tries inside the opening 25 minutes.

However, the South Africans had to battle for their desired fourth try, which was eventually scored 13 minutes into the second half by flanker Warren Britz.

The Sharks raced to an early 17-3 lead with a try double to winger Odwa Ndungane and flanker Jacques Botes. Fullback, and goal kicker, Percy Montgomery had a perfect five-from-five with the boot.

In stark contrast, the Force were put fairly behind the eight-ball though did manage to crack the defensive line through winger Digby Ioane some 12 minutes out from the main interval.

The Sharks led 27-8 at half time with the stats figures painting a very fearful picture for the Western Force, trailing heavily on the scoreboard, possession and territory counts.

Number 8 Scott Fava gave the visitors a glimmer of hope for the comeback attempt with a 49th minute try only for Britz and replacement JP Petersen to stretch the lead out to 26 points with 20 minutes remaining.

Fullback Cameron Shepherd added some respectability to the final score line with his own try double inside the final 10 minutes, however it came too late for the Force, and Brumbies.

The calculators were again out following this match, the Northern Bulls now required to defeat the Stormers on their home patch at Cape Town by 33 points or more (and collect a four-try bonus point) in order to snatch fourth place away from the Sharks.

Western Force return home to Perth in the coming days with a full review of their first season likely after the team only managed one win, two draws and 10 losses in collecting the wooden spoon.

Next week, the semi finalists do battle to decide who will contest the grand final.

The Crusaders host either the Sharks or Bulls at Christchurch, while the NSW Waratahs and Hurricanes later today decide who will host the rematch.

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