The Sharks' five-point return in Australia ensures that they remain in touch with the Lions and Stormers on the South African group log, writes JON CARDINELLI.
In round one, the Sharks blew a golden opportunity to bank a valuable win on the road. Pat Lambie missed a penalty attempt in the 76th minute, and the Reds hung on for a 28-26 victory.
In round two, the Sharks were good enough to score a try at the death and secure a 27-22 win against the Brumbies in Canberra. The upshot is that they will return from their Australian tour with five log points.
WATCH: Lukhanyo Am's match-winning try in Canberra
While they still trail the Stormers, Lions, Jaguares and Cheetahs in the South African group, they remain in a strong position, considering they have now completed their Australian tour. The Sharks will play the bulk of their remaining matches in South Africa. By contrast, the Lions still need to travel to Australia. The Stormers and Cheetahs will face a daunting task in the shape of a tour to New Zealand later in the tournament.
That said, the Stormers and Lions boast two wins after two rounds. The Lions scored eight tries in their 55-36 victory against the Waratahs at Ellis Park. That bonus-point result propelled them to the top of the Africa 2 conference. The Lions have also moved ahead of the Stormers on the South African group log.
VIDEO: Highlights of Lions vs Waratahs
The Stormers were made to fight for a 32-25 win against the Jaguares on Saturday. The Argentines claimed a losing bonus point to finish the round at third on the South African group log.
The Stormers will have a great opportunity to improve on their position in round three. The Cape side will battle the Kings in Port Elizabeth, while the Lions will travel to Buenos Aires to take on the Jaguares.
VIDEO: Highlights of Stormers vs Jaguares
Meanwhile, the Cheetahs scored a big upset win over the Bulls in Bloemfontein. Indeed, at one stage they looked set to bank the try-scoring bonus point before the Bulls fought back in the latter stages.
The Bulls will enjoy a bye next week before hosting the Sunwolves in round four. They desperately need five log points from that fixture, as they will be hard-pressed to obtain any reward when they tour New Zealand in the subsequent two rounds.
The Cheetahs should add to their log tally when they host the Sunwolves in round three. At this point, the Cheetahs are better placed to challenge the Stormers for that Africa 1 conference title.
The Kings will be thrilled with their 37-23 win against the Sunwolves in Singapore, a result that marks their first win overseas since they beat the Rebels in Melbourne back in 2013. The Eastern Cape side may be brought to earth with a thump, however, when they take on the Stormers at home in round three.
VIDEO: Highlights of Sunwolves vs Kings
Photo: Mark Nolan/Getty Images
