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Sharks claim Currie Cup final revenge over Western Province
By
Ben Spratt
The Sharks clinched the Currie Cup with a 17-12 win over Western Province, avenging their final defeat to the same side 12 months earlier.
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On a steamy day in Cape Town, the Sharks produced a clinical display on Saturday to dethrone the champions and win an eighth title.
A tight first half had Western Province 6-0 up at the break, yet the holders played out the full 80 minutes without scoring a single try and that proved their undoing.
The Sharks conversely forged a breakthrough early in the second half through Akker van der Merwe, that crucial score forcing Western Province to go on the offence.
And the Sharks pounced. A speedy counter-attack resulted in an opportunity for Tyler Paul to force the ball over the line, seemingly securing victory nine minutes from time.
A further Western Province penalty – their fourth of the game – from Damian Willemse set up a tense finale, but the Sharks got over the line.
And after a tense battle, there's always room for some respect. Well done to both teams today. The #CurrieCup is #WhereLegendsRise @NashuaLtd @DirectAxis pic.twitter.com/64c6Xxf8AL
— Springboks (@Springboks) October 27, 2018
