The Hollywoodbets Sharks became the first South African team to taste success in Europe as they produced a forward masterclass to beat English side Gloucester 36-22 and claim the EPCR Challenge Cup trophy on Friday night.
With the victory, the Sharks booked themselves a place in next season’s Investec Champions Cup and made the Vodacom United Rugby Championship playoff permutations even more complicated as only seven sides will qualify for the Champions Cup, and not eight.May 24, 2024
And while the forwards should take most of the credit, flyhalf Siya Masuku continued to impress with a 21 point haul that edged them closer to victory with every kick. Still, this is a good start and a South African team claiming a EPCR trophy after the Stormers won the URC in its inaugural year will underline the fact that they are here to stay.But back to the game, and the incredible Sharks performance it was, especially as they had to soak up some incredible initial pressure in the opening 10 minutes, conceding five penalties and a yellow card to Aphelele Fassi for repeated transgressions.
Buthelezi took the ball at speed and then dummied with Fassi on his inside, scoring a sensational try to put the Sharks into double figures.
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