DURBAN - Poor handling, massive turnovers and lack of imagination marked the lowest scoring game in Super 12 history as the Reds beat the Sharks 6-5 at ABSA stadium.
Durban's Daily Mail was scathing.
"The match was an error-strewn mess of forward passes, knock-ons and onfield tactical mismanagement," it reported.
"Had there been
a bonus point for every error, the Reds and the Sharks would have been richly rewarded.
"Sadly, the crowd was subjected to a painful experience of Super 12 rugby at its very worst."
The only positive aspect of the match was the defence from both sides.
The Reds' points came from the boot of first five-eighths Elton Flatley, who slotted two penalties.
The Sharks' points came from a lone try to prop Brendon Botha, who was driven over from a lineout.
The defeat left the Sharks in danger of missing the semifinals.
The home side started the day on 25 points and could have moved to joint second with 30 if they had claimed a full five points. For the Reds it was a matter of getting the right result, irrespective of the score, after a dismal season.
It was their third win, moving them to 16 points but failing to lift them above 11th place.
- REUTERS
2004 Super 12 draw, results and points table
New Zealand squads and information
Australian squads
South African squads
