Lourens Adriaanse made an outstanding impact as the Sharks clinched a 26-10 win over the Cheetahs, according to SARugbymag.co.za's Opta-powered statistics.

In a first half that saw the Sharks hang on to a tenuous three-point lead at the break, it was clear that their primary struggles came at scrum time, particularly considering that Beast Mtawarira spent 10 minutes in the sin bin.

Yet, there can be no denying that there was a considerable improvement at that set piece when Adriaanse came on early in the second half, with a penalty having been won at the first scrum after he had entered the fray in the 46th minute.

Not only did the Sharks enjoy better returns with Adriaanse at tighthead prop, but he also made six tackles in an important contribution as the Sharks outscored the Cheetahs 16-3 in a vastly improved second-half performance that keeps them on track to qualify for a quarter-final berth.

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