The Sharks may have secured a 29-19 victory over the Scarlets in the United Rugby Championship at Kings Park Stadium, but their performance left much to be desired, especially considering their star-studded lineup. Despite a dominant scrum, the Springboks-laden hosts struggled to find their rhythm, raising questions about their consistency. But here's where it gets controversial: is this team truly living up to its potential, or are they relying too heavily on individual talent? Let’s dive into the player ratings and find out.
Backs
15 Jordan Hendrikse (6): Delivered some solid kicks from the back but failed to make a significant impact in attack. The Sharks’ lack of continuity didn’t help his case, leaving fans wondering what he’s truly capable of.
14 Edwill van der Merwe (6): After switching from the Lions, Van der Merwe hasn’t quite found his footing with the Sharks. The Durban outfit struggled to create space for him, limiting his opportunities to shine.
13 Lukhanyo Am (5): A far cry from his 2019 Rugby World Cup glory days, Am made uncharacteristic errors while trying to force plays. Is this a temporary slump, or a sign of deeper issues?
12 Andre Esterhuizen (7): One of the Sharks’ standout backs, Esterhuizen ran hard all game, topping the metre-making charts and carrying the ball more than anyone else. A reliable performer in a shaky lineup.
11 Ethan Hooker (7): Like Van der Merwe, Hooker had limited chances to showcase his ball-handling skills, but he made a significant impact in the air, reminiscent of his performance against the All Blacks in Wellington.
10 Jean Smith (6): Stepping in late for Siya Masuku, Smith played with composure, guiding the team effectively. However, a charged-down kick was a blemish on an otherwise solid performance.
9 Grant Williams (6): His box-kicking gave chasers ample opportunities, and he executed his core roles well. Yet, he rarely tested the fringes, leaving some to wonder if he could have done more.
Forwards
8 Emmanuel Tshituka (7): Part of a formidable back-row trio, Emmanuel had a good game, though he didn’t reach his usual spectacular heights. His try, however, was a highlight.
7 Vincent Tshituka (7): Like his brother, Vincent had plenty of strong moments as the Sharks controlled possession and territory. A solid performance in a dominant pack.
6 Siya Kolisi (7): Kolisi flashed his old brilliance with a run that left Scarlets defenders in his wake, before settling into his usual workhorse role. Is this a sign of a return to form, or just a fleeting moment?
5 Marvin Orie (6): Reliable in the lineout and maul, Orie did his job well as the front five took control in the second half. A steady presence in the pack.
4 Eben Etzebeth (c) (6): The captain wasn’t at his best, making some uncharacteristic errors. Yet, his work ethic and physicality remain undeniable. Are we seeing the beginning of a decline, or just an off day?
3 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko (7): A late replacement for Vincent Koch, Mazibuko impressed with a try and strong scrummaging. He turned up the pressure in the second half, proving his worth.
2 Bongi Mbonambi (6): Solid in the set-piece, Mbonambi’s performance was workmanlike. While he lacks the impact he once had in the loose, he remains a dependable hooker.
1 Ox Nche (8): The world’s best prop lived up to his reputation, dominating the scrum and making his presence felt in the loose. His player-of-the-match award was well-deserved.
Replacements (6): The bench stepped up effectively, preventing the Scarlets from gaining momentum. Jurenzo Julius, in particular, stood out with his spark in hand. But is this enough to secure the Sharks’ future success?
As John Plumtree remains under pressure, one thing is clear: this team has the talent, but consistency and cohesion are still works in progress. And this is the part most people miss: without addressing these issues, even a scrum ‘dominance’ might not be enough to carry them forward. What do you think? Are the Sharks on the right track, or is there cause for concern? Let us know in the comments!
