Player ratings: Crash and burn
Home ground advantage was not enough for the Sharks to return to the summit of Currie Cup rugby on Saturday.
While a number of big-name players brought their A-game, the Sharks came undone against a greater cohesive unit on the night.
Quintin van Jaarsveld rates the Sharks players.
15 Louis Ludik
A rock at the back but an argument could be made that he went to the air too often on the counter attack.
7/10
14 JP Pietersen
The Sharks’ best attacking weapon by some distance. He was everywhere; often popping up at first receiver, chasing high balls and knocking down Western Province ball-carriers. Saved his team with an intercept and kick downfield that resulted in three points for the hosts.
7.5/10
13 Paul Jordaan
Showed great acceleration off the mark to break down the right wing and link up with Pietersen on his inside but was outplayed by his opposite number.
6.5/10
12 Tim Whitehead
Had a distinct speed and agility advantage over Damian de Allende that he wasn’t able to exploit as he was more inclined to play support runners into space than attack half gaps.
6.5/10
11 Lwazi Mvovo
In contrast to Pietersen, Mvovo was reluctant to tread off his wing which watered down the impact he had on attack.
6/10
10 Pat Lambie
A classy performance in all departments that reaffirmed the youngster’s big match temperament. He’s the type of player who flourishes on the big stage. His goal-kicking was unerring and he varied his play well.
8/10
9 Cobus Reinach
A real mixed bag, Reinach would follow up a great tactical kick with a wayward pass, costing his team 10 metres in the process.
6/10
8 Keegan Daniel
Would have wanted to end his campaign with a stronger individual performance. Typically lively but not as influential as he would have hoped.
7/10
7 Willem Alberts
The most impressive ball-carrier bar none. Western Province were unable to stop the Springbok juggernaut from crashing over the gainline time and time again. Also a destructive force on defence, even halting Eben Etzebeth in his tracks.
8/10
6 Marcell Coetzee
His workrate was, as always, astonishing. Not having an out-and-out fetcher cost the Sharks with Deon Fourie and Duane Vermeulen winning the breakdown battle for the visitors.
7/10
5 Anton Bresler
A frustrating day at the office given Craig Burden’s erratic line-out throwing. Upped his workrate as a result and was a solid contributor in general play.
6.5/10
4 Steven Sykes
An underwhelming Sharks swansong for the Kings-bound Sykes who was outclassed by the prodigious Etzebeth.
6/10
3 Jannie du Plessis
Taught young Steven Kitshoff a scrummaging lesson but his ill discipline once again reared its ugly head.
7/10
2 Craig Burden
His lack of game time, as an unused Springbok tourist and replacement in last week’ semifinal, made him the villain of the Final. His line-out throwing was shocking.
3/10
1 Tendai Mtawarira
"The Beast" was at his best as he smashed Springbok prospect Frans Malherbe in the scrums. Add his phenomenal workrate and it’s clear that Mtawarira was one of the to performers of the Final.
8/10
Replacements:
16 Kyle Cooper (on for Burden, 61st minute)
Very energetic and enthusiastic but handed Western Province the silverware with his match-ending knock-on. Not enough time to be rated.
17 Wiehahn Herbst (on for Du Plessis, 59th minute)
Couldn’t drive home the Sharks’ dominance at scrum time.
6.5/10
18 Jandre Marais (on for Sykes, 66th minute)
Not enough time to be rated.
19 Jean Deysel (on for Alberts, 61st minute)
Not enough time to be rated.
20 Charl McLeod (on for Reinach, 64th minute)
Not enough time to be rated.
21 Meyer Bosman (on for Whitehead, 59th minute)
Some good touches on attack highlighted his cameo.
6/10
22 Odwa Ndungane (on for Mvovo, 74th minute)
Not enough time to be rated.
