Cardiff’s play-off hopes were dented slightly with the 21-15 defeat in Durban
Mason Grady competes in the air against the Sharks(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd)
It was a frustrating evening for Cardiff in Durban.
Despite coming away from Kings Park with a losing bonus point against the Sharks after their 21-15 defeat, there was the sense that something more had been left out there in their bid for a place in the United Rugby Championship play-offs.
Parts of the game malfunctioned, key players were lost to injury and chances came and went late on.
Here are the player ratings from South Africa…
15. Ioan Lloyd – 6
Nice hands for Grady’s first. Kicking wasn’t always the best, but his probing nature brings something to Cardiff’s backline.
14. Mason Grady – 8
On the end of a lovely pre-planned move to score his first. Then showed plenty of composure to finish off a second. Was superb in the air and looked a running threat throughout.
When you see him up-end Andre Esterhuizen, you realise just what he could be.
13. Harri Millard – 5
Drilled one out on the full that handed the Sharks field position for their second try. Defensively sound.
12. Ben Thomas – 6
Decent cross-field kick for Grady’s second, some big hits in midfield and a good rip on Springbok Esterhuizen. Little chance to offer much in attack.
11. Iwan Stephens – 5
Spent a lot of the first-half dealing with high balls – which he managed relatively well. Little chance to get ball in hand.
10. Callum Sheedy – 6
The Wales fly-half can be a bit too ready to put boot to ball at times – even if Cardiff did get some joy from their kicking game. But, overall, the Wales fly-half marshals this backline well.
9. Johan Mulder – 6
Charged down in the build-up to the opening try. But his kicking was otherwise solid. Offers a sniping threat and makes his tackles.
The new dad was lively upon his return to South Africa.
1. Corey Domachowski – 5
Part of a scrum that went well early on. Unfortunately, the Wales prop lasted only 20 minutes before departing injured.
2. Liam Belcher (capt) – 6
Some wobbles at the lineout – perhaps unsurprising given Cardiff’s second-row woes – but the Cardiff captain always leads by example.
Gets through a load of work on both sides of the ball.
3. Keiron Assiratti – 5
Not sure if it’s a mark of honour or a terrifying sight when South African opposition change their front-row after half-an-hour.
Having been on top in the scrum early on, the tide turned a little after that.
4. Josh McNally – N/A
Forced off injured after 10 minutes to only add to Cardiff’s second-row crisis.
5. Rory Thornton – 5
Made his tackles, but couldn’t really remedy Cardiff’s lineout issues.
6. James Botham – 7
Got through plenty of work in defence on his return to domestic duties. Few niggly penalties, but has a knack of delivering when it matters – including a second-half breakdown penalty as the Sharks were looking to pull away.
7. Dan Thomas – 7
One textbook breakdown penalty in the first-half. Got through a mountain of work, too – leading the tackle count and being a nuisance throughout.
Knock-on from the maul two minutes from time was the only blot on his copybook.
8. Taulupe Faletau – 8
Class shines through with every touch. Cardiff’s go-to carrier – can be the silk glove or the iron fist. Beats defenders for fun and was the key for Grady’s first try.
So cruel to see him once again depart injured so soon after his last comeback. You just hope this isn’t it for the 35-year-old.
Replacements:
16. Dafydd Hughes – 5
Similar to Belcher, lineout was a problem. Gives everything in the loose, though.
17. Danny Southworth – 5
On after 20 minutes. Got through his fair share of tackles in his time on the pitch, but had some tough times at the scrum.
18. Javan Sebastian – 5
Like the other front-rows, few issues at the scrum.
19. Alun Lawrence – 6
Brought into the second-row sooner than expected. In an unfamiliar position, he gave his all. Carried as he usually does.
Couldn’t hold onto a crucial lineout late on, though.
20. Taine Basham – 7
Carries with little concern for himself. Brings so much energy to proceedings. The best compliment you can pay him is he filled the Faletau-shaped hole in the back-row fairly well.
21. Ellis Bevan – 6
Daft penalty for being infront of the kicker. So close to a 50:22 moments later. Decent cameo.
22. Rory Jennings – 5
Some nice touches, but little time to make an impact.
23. Elijah Evans – 5
Got on the end of a trademark Sheedy kick-pass, but couldn’t gather it cleanly.
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