DURBAN - Halfback Ruan Pienaar scored 21 points for the Natal Sharks who ended a run of eight successive defeats with an upset 36-24 Super 12 victory over the previously unbeaten ACT Brumbies.
Pienaar, the son of former Springbok fullback Gysie, scored two of his side's five tries and kicked
four conversions and one penalty as the Sharks began the reign of coach Dick Muir in unexpectedly emphatic fashion.
Muir -- who played for the Sharks in the inaugural Super 12 final in 1996 -- replaced Kevin Putt who was sacked on Wednesday following a record 43-7 home defeat by the Highlanders seven days ago.
The win lifted the Sharks off the bottom of the standings while the Brumbies' defeat left them in second place, six points adrift of leaders the NSW Waratahs.
The Sharks led 22-10 at halftime after three first half tries by replacement flank Jaco Gouws, Pienaar and a 70-metre interception score by wing Adi Jacobs.
Australia's Brumbies struck back with their second try from Jeremy Paul 10 minutes into the second half to narrow the lead to five points (22-17) and threaten a familiar comeback.
But a brilliant chip and gather by Pienaar set replacement flank Warren Britz en route to the line three minutes later and then the halfback broke down the blindside of a ruck to score a fine solo try from 60 metres just five minutes later to break the back of the Brumbies' challenge.
- REUTERS
