The two teams were level 10-10 at the halftime break, but the Cell C Sharks’ well-deserved triumph was built on a solid defensive effort and lots of physicality upfront

Curwin Bosch was handed his first start at flyhalf for the year and the Springbok put in a composed performance to contribute 13 points in a well-deserved away victory for the Durbanites, who managed to break a losing run of eight games stretching against the Waratahs in Sydney, back to 2000.

Following back-to-back losses against the Jaguares and Reds at home in Durban, Cell C Sharks coach Robert du Preez freshened up his team with several rotational changes, which amongst other saw the selection of a new halfback pairing of Bosch and Cameron Wright.

Bosch has showed his attacking instincts this year in the No 15 jersey, but in this fixture he controlled the match for the Cell C Sharks with good tactical kicking, while he also slotted over three penalty goals and two conversions.

Waratahs lock Jed Holloway was shown a red card for an elbow to the face of Springbok prop Thomas du Toit shortly after the break, while the Cell C Sharks front ranker was in turn yellow carded for holding his opponent off the ball.

A couple of minutes later, Waratahs flank Jack Dempsey was yellow carded for a dangerous tackle, and soon after Springbok centre Andre Esterhuizen powered his way over the tryline for vital second-half score for the visitors.

Bosch added two more penalty goals to secure the winning margin, although Bernard Foley managed to score a consolation try for the ‘Tahs after the hooter.

Scorers:

Waratahs 15 (10) – Tries: Jake Gordon, Bernard Foley. Conversion: Foley. Penalty goal: Foley.

Cell C Sharks 23 (10) – Tries: Dan du Preez, Andre Esterhuizen. Conversions: Curwin Bosch (2). Penalty goals: Bosch (3).

Bosch guides Cell C Sharks to victory Down Under

The Cell C Sharks got their Australasian Vodacom Super Rugby tour off to winning start when they defeated the Waratahs 23-15 in Sydney on Saturday.