Sharks Show Finals Intent with Dominant Display Against Bulldogs in Round 27

First-Half Dominance Sets Tone for Sharks

The Sharks demonstrated their finals credentials with a dominant opening 40 minutes, controlling 59% of possession and completing an impressive 22 of 24 sets at 91%. Their superior attack was evident as they accumulated 815 run metres to the Bulldogs’ 545.

A crucial moment came in the 38th minute when Daniel Atkinson’s bomb led to a turnover, resulting in Blayke Brailey crossing for the Sharks’ third try. Nicho Hynes continued his accurate kicking to extend the lead to 18-0.

Bulldogs Show Signs of Life

The second half saw a glimmer of hope for the Bulldogs when Enari Tuala intercepted a Nicho Hynes kick and ran 90 metres to get the home team on the scoreboard, with Matt Burton adding the conversion to make it 18-6.

High Stakes Match

The match carried significant finals implications, with the Sharks’ final ladder position hanging in the balance – they could finish anywhere from fourth to sixth based on other weekend results.

Building Rivalry

“We’re starting to build a good rivalry with them,” noted a Sharks player before the match, acknowledging that their recent encounters have been closely contested. The Bulldogs, recognized as the best defensive team in the competition, have been drawing large crowds to Accor Stadium throughout the season, giving the match a semi-final atmosphere.

Looking Ahead

Canterbury’s performance this season has been built on a mobile pack known for their scrappy style of play. Under coach Cameron Ciraldo, they’ve established themselves as the team that has conceded the fewest points in the competition, with defense being the cornerstone of their strategy.