Cardiff were clinical in demolishing a second-string Sharks side in the Vodacom URC match at Kings Park on Saturday.
An early red card shown to Sharks flanker Tino Mavesere opened the floodgates for Cardiff, who ran away 36-14 winners.
No 8 Alun Lawrence crashed over for Cardiff’s first try before the Sharks’ Mavesere was sent off for a high tackle.
Cardiff capitalised on their numerical advantage, scoring three more tries courtesy of flanker Ben Donnell, inside centre Willis Halaholo and flanker James Botham, while outside centre Diego Appolis crossed the whitewash for the Sharks, who trailed 26-7 at the break.
Sheer power from Willis Halaholo 😤😤😤#BKTURC | #URC | #SHAvCAR | @Cardiff_Rugby pic.twitter.com/EwpcaLhMOz
— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) May 18, 2024
An underwhelming second half began with a try from Cardiff replacement Mason Grady, before Sharks flyhalf Curwin Bosch scored a sleek solo try to cap a very disappointing night for the hosts.
Curwin Bosch shows some individual brilliance but it’s not enough as the Cell C Sharks end on the losing side against Cardiff in the #VURC pic.twitter.com/9mXuHwlLVI
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) May 18, 2024
The Sharks are next in action against Gloucester in the Challenge Cup final on Friday.
Photo: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images