Witbank - Granted, it wasn't much more than a third-string Sharks side, but their somewhat disjointed performance in beating the lowly Pumas 19-7 here on Saturday night will not have given coach John Plumtree much clarity on his reserve strength - which was, after all, the original thinking behind fielding a weakened side.
It was only after Ruan Pienaar, Johann Muller and Rory Kockott took the field in the second half that there was structure to the Natalians' performance against a side with eight new caps who tackled themselves to a standstill.
Only seven points - by the Sharks - were scored in the second half in a match the home crowd will remember for the valiant performance of their side rather than scintillating play by the visitors. The Pumas could be a pleasant surprise this season, if their depth holds out.
Scorers: Sharks: Tries: Monty Dumond, Luzako Vulindlu, Len Olivier. Conversions: Dumond, Ruan Pienaar.Pumas: Try: Valentine van Wyk. Conversion: Rudi Vogt.
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