"It is a long way to go for just a point, but Saracens all but took the maximum against Sharks in biblical weather in Durban. Now that South Africa has been incorporated into the Champions Cup, these long trips are part and parcel. It meant Saracens changing 10 of their starting lineup. It meant Sharks changing 14 and a head coach to boot."
"Andy Onyeama-Christie could not quite gather James Hadfield's throw-in at a five-metre lineout, the clock in the red. In the slippery chaos that followed, Ethan Hooker belted the ball into the stand in relief. Those high, steepling banks of seats (mostly empty) at Kings Park rattled throughout, as the wind whipped in from the Indian Ocean. Handling was a skill at a premium. As was kicking."
Saracens travelled to Durban with extensive changes and nearly claimed maximum points but were denied by a last-minute stolen lineout. Sharks appointed JP Pietersen after John Plumtree's resignation and recorded only their second win of the season. The match was played in violent wind and rain that made handling and kicking difficult. Sharks dominated set pieces early, with a destructive scrum and a strong lineout drive finished by Bongi Mbonambi. Saracens' kickers bombarded the back three and created pressure, but a late handling error prevented a visiting victory.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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