Sharks first five Pat Lambie capitilised on the Highlanders mistakes, scoring all twenty-eight points of his sides 28-12 win in Durban.
The Highlanders gifted seven penalties to the Sharks, all of which were slotted home by Lambie, who was also responsible for his side’s only try. The Otago team was plagued by injury throughout the match, with loose forward Doug Tietjens and his replacement Elliot Dixon both leaving the field before half time and Tamati Ellison also going down in the final minutes of the game.
Although The Highlanders looked menacing on attack, dominating possession, their lack of discipline in the ruck which almost cost them last week’s match against the Cheetahs was again evident, and was punished through the boot of Lambie.
Set pieces were also shaky for the Highlanders, with several misjudged line-outs spoiling handy attacking opportunities in the Sharks red zone. The Highlanders did briefly take the lead early in the second half when an overlap and a quick shovel through the hands awarded Kurt Baker a try, but celebrations were short lived, when only moments later Pat Lambie solidified his perfect game with a try coming through a mistake from Hosea Gear. Coach Jamie Joseph will be looking to pick up the pieces of his injury ridden side who return from their South African tour to face the Hurricanes at home next weekend.
SHARKS 28 (Pat Lambie try, con, 7 pens). HIGHLANDERS 16 (Kurt Baker try, Mike Delany con, 3 pen)
HT: 15-9.