The Sharks secured a hard-fought 20-16 victory, but their triumph was overshadowed by a series of injuries that left coach Tony Herman anxiously awaiting scan results and match review outcomes. The Sharks experienced an early setback when Brooke Anderson was sidelined after a head-on collision with Tigers prop Sarah Togatuki during the second tackle. Medical staff promptly assessed Anderson, while players ensured her safety.
Despite Anderson’s exit, the Sharks opened the scoring with a brilliant run from Tiana Penitani-Gray, which created an opportunity for Cassie Staples to score the first points. However, the Tigers responded quickly through Caitlin Turnbull, equalising just minutes later. The Sharks’ challenges continued, as within the first 12 minutes, Stephanie Faulkner was also forced off the field for a head injury assessment after being trodden on while making a tackle. Following the return of Faulkner, the Sharks managed to score two consecutive tries but their injury woes grew.
Sharks’ prop Ellie Johnston limped off in the 25th minute, but Faulkner’s return offered a temporary reprieve for the team. However, her good fortune was short-lived; just moments after her comeback, she was sent to the sin bin for a professional foul. Allana Ferguson and Ruan Sims commented on the chaotic nature of the match, reflecting on the toll taken by injuries.
Faulkner was unable to resume after her sin bin stint due to another head injury assessment, while the Tigers pressed on, trading tries with the Sharks. As the final few minutes approached, debutant Anne-Marie Kiria-Ratu also succumbed to injury, being assisted off the field with a suspected knee issue after a tackle.
The Tigers’ troubles were not limited to the Sharks. Their winger Claudia Nielsen departed early in the match following an injury sustained while attempting to escape the in-goal area; she was eventually taken off in visible distress. Additional injuries plagued the Tigers as Terina Te Tamaki was ruled out at half-time with a shoulder injury, and Jessica Reeves was unable to return owing to rib concerns.
In a match filled with an unexpected amount of adversity, both teams battled valiantly, but the injuries loomed large as a significant aspect of the contest. Despite the challenges, the Sharks emerged victorious, yet with a heavy heart for their injured players and uncertainty about upcoming fixtures.