By Nick Said
CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - Hooker Akker van der Merwe and flank Tyler Paul scored second half tries as the Sharks lifted South Africa's domestic Currie Cup with a 17-12 final victory over holders Western Province at Newlands on Saturday.
The match was a repeat of last year’s decider, with the Durban-based Sharks gaining revenge against their more fancied opponents in Cape Town.
After Western Province led 6-0 at halftime in an error-strewn, stop-start first period, the Sharks seized the initiative when Springbok hooker Van der Merwe crossed over from close-range.
A penalty put the hosts back in front but, after Sharks flyhalf Robert du Preez, who last year booted Western Province to victory before switching unions, secured three points for the visitors, Paul crossed over for a game-winning second try for the Sharks with 10 minutes remaining.
It is an eighth title for the Sharks since the competition was first played in 1892 and their first since 2013.
The Sharks are coached by former Bok Robert du Preez, and the winning side included his three sons -- Robert Jr, and loose-forwards Dan and Jean-Luc.
(Reporting by Nick Said; editing by Ken Ferris)