The Hollywoodbets Sharks Under 21s are well on track at the three-quarter stage of the SA Rugby Under 21 Cup to make the top four after some exciting results in the tournament.
The Hollywoodbets Sharks Under 21s suffered a narrow 40-38 defeat to their Free State counterparts on the weekend, just one conversion the difference as both sides scored six tries and the match hanging in the balance at half-time, with the teams level at 19-apiece.
Despite the loss, they remain in second spot on the overall log, a superior points differential over the third-placed Vodacom Blue Bulls who went down to DHL Western Province 59-42.
It is two-plays-three this weekend as the two teams meet in Pretoria on Saturday in the return leg match, setting up a huge challenge for the respective sides.
They will both be looking to keep close to the front-runners DHL Western Province who are unbeaten after seven rounds, having won six and drawn once. Province enjoy a nine point cushion at the top of the log, having beaten the Hollywoodbets Sharks Under 21s in week six, securing a narrow 27-22 victory at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.
At this stage, the men from Cape Town look odds-on favourites to make the top four.
A 33-14 victory for the Hollywoodbets Sharks team over their Blue Bull counterparts in the first leg clash in Durban will provide just the confidence and self-belief necessary over a team that has always been a competitive force at age group level.
Further motivation will come from the desire to turn recent form into victory and stay in the hunt for a top two finish and home ground advantage in the semi-finals.
With three more rounds remaining, the chase is on for a top four finish.
DHL Western Province on 33 points are guaranteed a semi-final spot, while the Hollywoodbets Sharks, Vodacom Blue Bulls and Fidelity ADT Lions are all fighting for that second spot, just one log point separating them.
Toyota Free State, with just one win and 10 log points are still in with a mathematical chance, but look to have left their chase too late. Equally the Leopards, at the bottom of the log and winless, don’t appear to be a threat to the top four.
After this weekend’s clash with the Vodacom Blue Bulls Under 21s, the Hollywoodbets Sharks will host the Fidelity ADT Lions in round nine before visiting Olen Park to take on the Leopards, that round 10 clash effectively closing out the pool matches.
Meanwhile, the SA Rugby Under 19 Cup recently kicked off and after two rounds, the Hollywoodbets Sharks Under 19s remain unbeaten after securing victories over Toyota Free State (40-20 away from home) and DHL Western Province (33-29 at home), with a clash with the Vodacom Bulls coming up this weekend.
They play a single round of matches in the tournament, offering the teams little chance to play catch-up should they slip, and this will be the talk every week as they negotiate their way through the competition. include tickets to our big concert series. Season memberships start from just R950. Get your ticket now!
