Reds beaten 22-10 in Durban
A brave Queensland lost 22-10 to the unbeaten Sharks in their Super 14 rugby clash in Durban.
Tested in the first half, the Sharks dominated the second and ultimately scored three tries to one on their way to recording their sixth win from as many matches.
The Reds were level at 10-10 at halftime after dominating possession and forcing the Sharks to make more than twice as many tackles.
Queensland played some enterprising rugby but some errors and a stout Sharks defence combined to curtail their scoring.
The Sharks led 10-3 against the run of play with winger Odwa Ndungane crossing for a try.
Queensland fought back and levelled just before the break, when winger Clinton Schifcofske converted a fine try by flanker David Croft, who beat three players before crossing.
The Sharks lifted after the break and dominated the first half hour of the second period.
They scored 12 unanswered points to take control, with fullback Stefan Terblanche and hooker Bismarck du Plessis scoring tries.
Queensland had a few late opportunities to salvage a bonus point, but were unable to convert their chances.
Acting Queensland captain and fullback Chris Latham said he was very proud of his team's performance and felt they did a lot better than what most people felt they would.
"We were in with a show and when we had our opportunities we just didn't capitalise and we didn't control our possession," Latham said.
The Sharks consolidated second spot behind the Crusaders, while the Reds remained in tenth spot.
The Reds now travel to Bloemfontein to meet the winless Cheetahs, who suffered narrow losses to the Brumbies and Waratahs on their Australian tour.
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