Currie Cup: Sharks dent Pumas' semi-final chances with hard-fought win

Already out of playoff contention, the Durban side used their final domestic outing to hand valuable minutes to several United Rugby Championship players ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Despite the Pumas' greater urgency, the Sharks produced enough decisive moments to secure the win.

The visitors, still chasing qualification, did at least collect a losing bonus point that lifted them to fourth on the log. Their fate, however, now rests on events at Loftus, where they will be hoping the Vodacom Bulls defeat the Cheetahs on Saturday without allowing them a bonus point.

The first half was tight, with Sharks wing Paschal Ekeji tackled into touch by fullback Stefan Coetzee when a try seemed certain, while Darren Adonis was denied at the other end shortly before the break.

Sharks lock Emile van Heerden also departed with an early injury, adding to the stop-start nature of the contest.

Discipline proved costly for the Pumas when hooker Eduan Swart was shown a yellow card for a no-arms tackle. Ironically, they made the most of his absence, with flyhalf Clinton Swart slotting two penalties to keep them in touch.

The Sharks pulled clear in the second half. Fullback Yaw Penxe pounced on Siya Masuku's clever kick for the opening try before replacement No 8 Phepsi Buthelezi powered over, with Masuku adding the extras for a 12-6 lead.

The Pumas struck back through Lundi Msenge, who finished Ross Braude's cross-kick after a strong run from JJ Scheepers, Clinton Swart nailing the conversion from the touchline.

But Francois Venter's late try ensured the Sharks finished stronger, sealing a deserved 19-13 win that left the Pumas with everything still to do in their bid for the knockout stages.