The Sharks did nothing to undermine their status as the Super XV’s form side on Saturday night as they toppled the competition’s top qualifiers, the Stormers, in their semi-final clash at Newlands.
Brushing aside the arduous travel schedule they had been subjected to the Sharks started the game in trademark style, combining confrontational defence with rangy, counter-attacking play, and it was no surprise when they were first to cross the try-line, taking a 13-6 lead in to the shed at half-time.
While the Stormers fought hard and were as physically imposing as you would expect, the Sharks looked relatively comfortable throughout, and when J.P. Pietersen scored to extend their advantage to 14 points it looked like the scoreline might run away from the home side.
But an immediate response from Gio Aplon ensured the Stomers were in with a sniff right until the final whistle, and the Sharks were forced to dig deep to hold on for the remaining 7 minutes, eventually winning 26-19.
Deserving finalists who have undoubtedly had the toughest run through the finals once travel is factored in to the equation, the Sharks now head back to New Zealand to face the Chiefs in Hamilton in Saturday’s final.