Cardiff claim dominant win over 14-man Sharks

Cardiff cruised to victory against the 14-man Sharks as they claimed a 36-14 United Rugby Championship victory in Durban.

Sharks flanker Tino Mavesere was sent off after just 20 minutes following a shoulder-led challenge to the head of Cardiff and Wales full-back Cameron Winnett.

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Bonus point

The visitors prospered, securing a bonus-point by half-time through tries from Alun Lawrence, Ben Donnell, Willis Halaholo and James Botham, while fly-half Ben Thomas kicked three conversions.

Lock Corne Rahl was the only survivor in Sharks’ starting line-up following a home defeat against Benetton last time out.

None of the Sharks’ current Springboks contingent were involved prior to the EPCR Challenge Cup final against Gloucester in London.

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Few problems

Cardiff encountered few problems in claiming a rare five-point maximum on the road, with Thomas adding a second-half penalty before Wales back Mason Grady posted a late try that Thomas converted.

Centre Diego Appollis and replacement Curwin Bosch touched down for the home side, with Bosch and Lionel Cronje each kicking a conversion, but Sharks could have no complaints after being outplayed in all key departments.

Number eight Lawrence collected Cardiff’s opening try after 15 minutes, underlining that the Sharks had a tough task on their hands.

But that degree of difficulty increased sharply after Mavesere was red-carded and Cardiff capitalised immediately.

More good work by their forwards had Sharks’ defence in reverse gear and Donnell was the beneficiary, with Thomas’ conversion opening up a 14-point lead.

Cardiff were then undone by a try from Appollis that Cronje converted, yet they recovered quickly as Halaholo showcased all his power to surge over Sharks’ line before Thomas added another two points.

A bonus point arrived six minutes before the interval through Botham’s score, sending Cardiff in to half-time with a 26-7 advantage.

A Thomas penalty left the Sharks further adrift and Grady crossed for a try eight minutes from time that Thomas converted before Bosch’s 78th-minute consolation.