Latest news with #Sharks'
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Munster a victim of pure sh*thousery in Durban - writes One F in Foley
Munster didn't deserve to beat Sharks in normal time in Durban, nor did they show enough to win in extra-time. But they didn't deserve to be treated to extraordinary sh*thousery in the shoot-out, specifically as Jack Crowley lined up the fourth of his side's six kicks at Tullow Tank AKA Sean O'Brien delighted in telling anyone who would listen that the advent of 28 and more TV cameras at big matches had more or less done away with players attempting anything underhand. Sh*thousery (British slang, def: 'underhand conduct or gamesmanship, playing dirty, using questionable tactics to win, being a skilful opportunist') is a good word for the King's Park goings on and Jaden Hendrikse deserves ownership of it too. So while the Sharks' no9 didn't do anything illegal when, following kicking his penalty he collapsed to the turf and, claiming immobilising cramp, refused to budge, interfering with Crowley's preparation and taking of his basked in a variety of individuals arriving to stretch his calf, chatting to the referee presumably to point out how helpless he was, and taking time to apparently wink knowingly at Crowley - all which ever-so blatantly caught on camera - was not against Rugby it was Crowley kept his nerve, even if his wounded-duck kick somehow managed to reassert itself and get through posts but he was clearly raging at Hendrikse after the match had ended. You didn't have to be a lip-reader to recognise one phrase repeated over and over Saturday's referee Mike Adamson looked indecisive as the tension ramped up but, says a former World Cup, Six Nations, Rugby Championship, Heineken Cup and Celtic League referee and on who played the game at a very, very high standard too: "There is not a lot the referee can do but if you want to stay with the values of the game, that was something that should have been avoided - could the player have fallen a bit further away, even crawled a little bit out of the picture? "I think the authorities have to look at the attitude of the Sharks players and the management but that's an after-the-event occurrence and won't affect a result. "The player definitely had a cramp, you can see clearly that his leg is cramping in the TV footage so that is not a lie but the referee was never going to order the ambulance-buggy to come on. "The player hadn't broken his leg, he had cramp and if the buggy had been called on it would have added to the bullshit and drama. "Plus, and here is a thing we don't know, what was said between those two players earlier in the game, there was a lot going on."Munster, and long suffering Munster fans with memories of Neil Back and of Lille, have few options other than being pissed off."They can make a complaint in writing to the URC, and address it to the Referees Manager. "Can the Sharks player be cited? I don't know but I'd say 'no'. Have you ever heard of a player being cited for giving a bit of 'lip' to another guy. I've never seen it at the professional level, not for 'lip'."I'd have great sympathy with Jack Crowley and it is part of their being too much bullshit going on in the modern game, captains are getting involved too much, there are too many people calling for TMO reviews and making gestures demanding yellow cards for opposition players..."Meanwhile Leinster's South African coach Jacques Nienaber says it just an unfortunate by-product of the modern rugby world, noting generally of sh*thousery:"It's something that happens in the game from minute one to minute 80. There's banter and trying to get under a guy's skin and trying to physically impose yourself on him and try and rub his hair."I mean that happens for 80 minutes, so in this case it was for everyone to see because it's not as secluded as what will be in a game. But it happens in a game."Think of Pete (O'Mahony), what did he tell Sam Cane? I mean, that banter flys. If you listen to just the referee mic and you take the commentators away, it's crazy what you hear on that mic. They got stuck into each other. It's just normal."There were some other takeaways, Sharks looked better prepared for the shootout part of the game something, incidentally, Leinster have been giving consideration too in recent weeks.'It's something that's been living with a team since Europe when we went to the round 16, and it's the same format in the URC. "So it's not something that's not being discussed or planned or detailed. It's something that's been living with a team for over two months, definitely something you talk through."We practice both the kicks and the scenario. Everybody understands their role, who's going to kick, that obviously changed with the team against Zebre, didn't have the same players against Glasgow, didn't have the same players last week.'It is not a question of being a fan of the shoot-out or not, it exists."That's the format that's given to you. I don't know if it's a good or a bad thing. I think fans love it and I think from a spectator view it's brilliant. I enjoyed it. I loved it. But I don't want to be the team that does it.'The first one I saw was Munster against Toulouse three years ago in Europe. That was the first time I actually saw it and both times that I've witnessed it. I think it grabs your attention but I would probably say something different if I'm in that team.'And while not suggesting here that Munster were quite Mick McCarthy who having lost a shoot-out looked incredulously at a reporter who had asked had his side practiced penalties (they hadn't!).It was that the Sharks kickers seemed very assured, had better rhythm, looked like everyday kickers at agreed albeit with some 'inside' information: 'Yeah. So the guy, Bradley Davids, who kicked the last kick was my son's roommate at school. He was the kicker for the school. You might know it, because he's only a young guy, he's 22 coming through the ranks.'
Daily Maverick
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
‘Winkgate' is manufactured social media outrage that will add more fuel to the SA-Ireland rugby rivalry
The Sharks beat Ireland's Munster in the United Rugby Championship quarterfinals through a penalty shootout — but the result was almost overshadowed by an on-field wink. If you believe social media, you could be forgiven for thinking that the Sharks' dramatic United Rugby Championship (URC) quarterfinal 6-4 penalty shootout win over Munster in Durban on Saturday was because of a wink. Yes, a wink. In case you don't follow rugby closely, I'll elaborate shortly. The penalty shootout made this otherwise error-strewn match memorable, and the wink will be part of its story. In a way, that's a good thing because there wasn't much else to redeem it. At the half-hour mark, if fans had been told that there would be an additional 20 minutes of this game (via extra time), they would have replied: 'Haven't we suffered enough?' The contest did improve slightly in the second half as the Sharks came back from 21-10 down to lead 24-21. Then, veteran Munster and Ireland scrumhalf Conor Murray landed a late penalty from 45m to level the scores at 24-24, sending the game to extra time, and ultimately to the lottery of kicks at goal. Wink, wink During the rare penalty shootout (the first in URC history), hometown scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse winked at Munster kicker Jack Crowley, and social media went into meltdown. Okay, a little more context is needed. To be precise, Hendrikse first screamed and writhed in pain from an apparent cramp in his leg, which was the result of the kicking motion to slot his second successful penalty of the shootout. Sharks' physios rushed on to the field and treated Hendrikse, who appeared to be in genuine discomfort. All this took place within a few metres of where Munster flyhalf Crowley was preparing to take his second kick of the shootout. Crowley was understandably annoyed at the commotion as he was trying to focus on an important kick. Referee Mike Adamson told him to wait. In his froth, Crowley let the Sharks' physios know his thoughts, telling them to 'f**k off' from the playing field. Hendrikse, on his back and observing the little spat, decided to use the moment for a bit of gamesmanship and winked at Crowley. That image spread across social media as fast and wide as you'd expect in an age of faux outrage. People were soon claiming it to be unsavoury, 'cheating' and 'against the spirit of the game' while missing the irony of hurling online insults at people who chose to disagree with them. It was a wink. Something that happens on rugby fields every week, from Cork to Cradock and anywhere in between. No one can definitively say Hendrikse didn't have a cramp. After 100 minutes of intense rugby, cramping muscles are a distinct possibility. Munster captain Tadhg Beirne was treated for a cramp during extra time. Sceptics might say he was slowing the game down with the Sharks in the ascendency. I prefer to think that he really did have a cramp after delivering a huge performance. I also like to think that Hendrikse was suffering from a cramp and that his wink was just a moment of shithousery that happens in almost every minute of every game. How many times have you seen players, usually English, celebrating a scrum penalty by screaming in the faces of their opponents? Romantics don't want to hear it, but rugby is essentially a game of cheating, or at the very least, a game of pushing the limits of the law to see what you can get away with. A hand in the ruck here to slow the ball, holding a player down for a few extra seconds there, stealing a metre from the offside line, and dozens of other acts of gamesmanship (cheating) happen in almost every action. Players blow kisses, wink and curse at each other in every match. Like it or not, it happens. Yet, thousands of people on social media are in a froth about Hendrikse winking at Crowley. Why the selective outrage? Perhaps they're upset that he winked while being treated for a cramp, as if the act of winking were somehow proof that he didn't have a cramp. It is possible to wink and have a leg massaged/stretched to treat a cramp at the same time. They are not mutually exclusive. To further make a mockery of the outrage, Crowley landed the kick post-wink. If anything, Hendrikse's gesture only sharpened Crowley's focus. To make a further mockery of the subsequent reaction, the crucial missed kick in the shootout by Rory Scannell occurred with no apparent gamesmanship beforehand. And to further muddy the waters of the 'outrage', the vastly experienced Murray engaged in some pre-shootout gamesmanship with the young Bradley Davids. Murray, stationed alongside Davids towards the left touchline for their kicks, took the Sharks youngster's hand in a shake that was, on the surface, a nice piece of sportsmanship. It might have been. It might not. What it was, was also a psychological ploy as Murray looked the youngster in the eye, letting him know the stakes were high, by implication saying: 'Don't mess it up.' Davids remained ice-cool, though, and landed the winning kick a few minutes later. Interestingly, neither coach, John Plumtree from the Sharks and Ian Costello from Munster, mentioned the wink after the match. They probably had not seen it, as it was only noticeable on television. Munster might have discussed it in their dressing room later, but rugby players know that gamesmanship is part of the deal. Growing rivalry The incident has added another little layer to the growing South Africa/Ireland rugby rivalry. Ireland have had the Springboks' number in recent years, winning three of the four Tests they've played in the Rassie Erasmus era. At URC level, South African and Irish teams have set the standard and enjoyed some close matches. The Stormers beat Ulster with a last-minute conversion in the 2022 semifinal, while the Bulls upset Leinster in Dublin the same year, at the same stage. Munster turned the tables a year later, beating the Stormers in the 2023 final in Cape Town. There have also been some close group phase matches. And this year, either the Bulls or the Sharks will advance to the final after meeting in a semifinal at Loftus on Saturday. Leinster host defending champions Glasgow in Dublin in the other semi. If it goes to seeding, the Bulls will meet Leinster in the URC final in Dublin, setting the stage for another potential flashpoint among fans. The SA-Ireland rivalry has grown at all levels in tandem with the social media world, which has led to some spiteful online antics. The reality is that there is a healthy respect between the players — South African players know how good the Irish players and system are. The Irish players have a healthy respect for the world champions. But at the supporters' level, the relationship is less cordial. Which is a pity really, but also the sad reality of a world where the slightest bit of mischief can be twisted into something grotesque. DM
IOL News
3 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Bradley Davids leads Sharks to thrilling URC quarter-final victory over Munster in dramatic penalty shootout
UNBRIDLED JOY Bradley Davids (left) and Aphelele Fassie (right) celebrate after the Sharks' United Rugby Championship victory over Munster at King's Park, in Durban, on Saturday. Picture: Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix With the match heading towards penalties at the end of extra time, Springbok Makazole Mapimpi on the wing was whipped off for the 22-year-old replacement, back Bradley Davids, by Sharks coach John Plumtree . The regulation 80 minutes saw the sides end 24-24 and in extra time neither team could manage any further scores. In what was a rare sight on a rugby pitch, the match had to be decided in a shoot-out from the kicking tee after the sides could not be separated after extra time. The Sharks scored a dramatic victory in sudden-death penalties in their United Rugby Championship quarter-final over Munster , at King's Park, in Durban, on Saturday. Bradley Davids Shines Under Pressure with Match-Winning Kick The move would make more sense moments later when the sides left the result in the 'boots' of their chosen kickers. With Munster's chosen hero Rory Scannell slotting the first kick, Davids matched his opponent by also converting his penalty from a tight angle. In his second attempt, the Munster centre missed, which left the door open for Davids. The Sharks youngster then stepped up, and calmly slotted the winning kick to thrust his side into the semis. Speaking after the game, Plumtree sang the praises of Davids. 'He's a real student of the game, Bradley, and he's just going to get better and better. He's just got that nature and is a very calm guy. He probably plays a bit above his years. He's confident and when you put him out there, he's not scared to have a go,' said Plumtree. 'We had no hesitation in putting him in that moment. We could've used [Aphelele] Fassie, but we were more confident that Bradley could do the job. Even if he didn't, we would have stood by him. It would've been tough for him if he had missed that last kick, but he kicked the goal to win it.' @Michael_Sherman IOL Sport
IOL News
5 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
'It's all about the win,' says Sharks coach Plumtree ahead of URC playoff against Munster
John Plumtree Sharks coach John Plumtree, seen here with Jordan Hendrikse who is making a return to the No 10 jumper for the URC quarter-final clash against Munster. | Steve Haag Sports The Sharks have come in for some stick for their unattractive approach to winning United Rugby Championship (URC) matches but coach John Plumtree has made it clear that their aim is to win games rather than prizes for good fellowship. He has a point because the Sharks have risen from a 14th place finish last year to third this season and have earned the luxury of a home quarter-final against Munster on Saturday. The Sharks are the only side in the top eight of the URC to have conceded more tries than they scored, yet they have shown enormous grit to grind out wins. Plumtree was asked if the quarter-finals are the time for his team to pull the trigger on their attacking game and win in style. 'We are not out here to entertain anyone,' Plumtree said. 'We are here to progress as a team and win matches. If that means win ugly, so be it.' In the Sharks' last game, they beat the Scarlets 12-3, with no tries scored, but Plumtree is unconcerned about outside pressure to up the try tally. 'There is enough pressure on the team without going into the change rooms and demanding more tries,' he said. 'We will get the job done, however that looks. 'We have set the team some goals around what we want to achieve. None of them are based on scoring 20 or 30 points, I can promise you that. We strive to win games of rugby, no matter how that gets done. We want our set piece to dominate and defence to function.' There has been zero problem with these aspects — the Sharks have been magnificent on defence and their Springbok-laden pack has been immense in the set scrums. To be fair to the Sharks, in that dour struggle with the Scarlets, the heavy dew made handling difficult. It is a problem at this time of the year in Durban — hot days cool down quickly in the evening and thick dew is the result. 'When the ball is wet along with the pressure from the opposition, it's always going to compromise our skill sets,' he explained. 'But if we get the territory, possession and fast ball we want, we will nail some of those moments. 'A massive part of these contests is keeping the TMO away from making any big calls that affect both teams and the outcome.' The Sharks' attack could well ignite in this match because of the return at outside centre of the skilful Lukhanyo Am, while Jordan Hendrikse replaces the injured Siya Masuku at flyhalf. Springbok captain Siya Kolisi is back at No 8 after a week's vacation. 'It's good to get some guys back, including Siya,' Plumtree said. 'The intensity has been great in our sessions, which is what you would expect with a game like this.' The coach said that Springboks coming into and out of the team over the season because of national duty and resting protocols has been disruptive. 'It has been disjointed, but we haven't let that bother us. Our goal was to put pressure on Glasgow on the log, which meant a good tour and finishing strong at home, and we did that. 'The Scarlets match wasn't the prettiest rugby to watch, but we achieved that goal. We are right where we need to be and are looking forward to the rest of the season.' Plumtree is acquainted with some of the Munster veterans from his time as an assistant coach of Ireland. The Irish side is saying farewell to three of their legends in flank Peter O'Mahony, scrumhalf Conor Evans and prop Steven Archer. 'Munster have a huge fighting spirit and are a very close team. The three guys finishing up have around 600 caps between them,' he said. 'We know what to expect from them but our focus is on playing at home, and progressing in the competition. It's going to come down to who wants it the most and who takes their opportunities on the day.' Sharks team 15 Aphelele Fassi 14 Ethan Hooker 13 Lukhanyo Am 12 Andre Esterhuizen 11 Makazole Mapimpi 10 Jordan Hendrikse 9 Jaden Hendrikse 8 Siya Kolisi 7 Vincent Tshituka 6 James Venter 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Eben Etzebeth (captain) 3 Vincent Koch 2 Bongi Mbonambi 1 Ox Nche. Bench: 16 Fez Mbatha 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu 18 Hanro Jacobs 19 Emile van Heerden 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Bradley Davids 22 Francois Venter 23 Yaw Penxe.
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Sharks: Munster game may hinge on discipline, who has the better goal-kicker
Sharks captain Eben Etzebeth expects another very close game as the Sharks hope to win their first-ever home URC quarter-final. Jordan Hendrikse has been the Sharks' go-to man for goal-kicking this season, with Siya Masuku, Jaden Hendrikse and Aphelele Fassi helping out. Picture: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images Sharks captain Eben Etzebeth said he expected their game against Irish giants Munster to be very tight and probably be decided by which side has better discipline and the better goal-kicker on the day. The teams clash in their United Rugby Championship quarter-final at Kings Park on Saturday (kick-off 6.30pm) after the Sharks finished third on the table and Munster ended sixth. The Sharks are no strangers to just crossing the line. They won by three points or less in six matches this URC season. They also won once by four points and once by six points. That means the Sharks won by fewer than seven points in eight of their 13 victories. 'We are used to it by now' Reflecting on this, Etzebeth said that although fans have been frustrated this season, Sharks players and coaches have been too. But the past, and even the Sharks' wounding victory over Munster in October that saw their coach Graham Rowntree resign afterwards, did not matter anymore. All that mattered was that the Sharks win their first-ever home quarter-final in the URC, whatever the margin. 'We have seen in the past that the play-offs can be a quite tight affair. We are used to it by now,' Ezebeth chuckled. 'I think last season… we lost it tight [34–21 to Munster in 2023] and this year we actually turned them around and are winning them. That's the difference. A couple of points and now all of a sudden you have a home quarter. 'Hopefully we don't have to make it that tight but it's a quality side [Munster] and it's probably going to come down to discipline on the day, who's got the better goal-kicker. It's going to be a very close game.' Sharks have one of their best URCs yet The Sharks captain praised the back-up players who stepped in during the team's extended injury crisis. This included his own four-month injury lay-off, which he was grateful was over. 'We understand that some fans might be a bit frustrated. We as players and coaches are sometimes a bit frustrated with ourselves. But whatever happened before doesn't really count anymore. 'If you also think about it, I think it's the highest the Sharks have ever ended in the URC. It's actually one of our best URCs yet. 'We ended third with only Leinster and the Bulls above us. Historically, it was sort of successful but obviously now it's play-offs.' The Sharks are on a four-game winning streak. Munster have won their last two games, against Benetton and Ulster. Head-to-head, the Sharks and Munster have beaten each other twice and drawn once. All victories came at home, while the draw was in Durban.
