Panicky Sharks nearly drown in Tank

Daniel's troops make finals after shaky first half, writes John Bishop in Durban

THE Sharks dragged their supporters through the full spectrum of emotions before fighting back from a 13-0 deficit to beat the Free State Cheetahs 20-13 in the Currie Cup semifinal at King's Park yesterday.

The Sharks, lacking composure and control in the first half, were given the nastiest of frights by the willing Free Staters before the physicality of their big men told and they took charge of the forward exchanges and the ball.

This will be the Sharks' third final in four years.

"We were just not in the game in the first half," admitted Sharks captain Keegan Daniel.

The Sharks had the worst possible start when a collision between flyhalf Frederic Michalak and Stefan Terblanche left both limping. Pat Lambie immediately missed a penalty from straight in front and four minute later a hobbling Michalak also fluffed a simple kick.

In contrast, Johan Goosen blasted home two penalties for the Free Staters, one from 55m, for a 6-0 lead.

The Sharks compounded their problems when they failed to clear their lines and Free State fullback Hennie Daniller romped over for a try. Goosen converted and the Free Staters were ahead by 13 points after 23 minutes.

Michalak missed another goalable penalty and left the field, with Lwazi Mvovo replacing him and Lambie taking over at flyhalf.

The panicky Sharks started kicking penalties to set up attacking lineouts and flank Willem Alberts lost the ball on the line. Eventually, Lambie narrowed the deficit to 10 points after 37 minutes with the Sharks' most difficult kick of the half.

Goosen, remarkably, missed a penalty on halftime but the Free Staters, spirited and enthusiastic, were deservedly ahead at the break.

There was far more purpose to the Sharks in the second half and an attacking lineout resulted in a series of strong drives before prop Tendai "Beast Mtawarira" finally forced his way over. Lambie added an angled conversion and the Sharks were back in the contest four minutes into the second half.

The home team's forwards, growing progressively stronger, kept the Free Staters under pressure with a series of strong drives before Odwa Ndungane was provided with a gentle run to the line. Lambie was successful with an easy conversion as the Sharks took the lead for the first time.

The Free Staters, off-loading superbly in the tackle, launched a number of sorties but the Sharks defence held and Lambie stretched the lead to seven points with a penalty five minutes from time.

SCORERS

Sharks 20 - Tries: Beast Mtawarira, Odwa Ndungane. Conversions: Pat Lambie (2). Penalties: Lambie (2).

Cheetahs 13 - Try: Henry Daniller. Conversion: Johan Goosen. Penalties: Goosen (2).