The Sharks became the first South African club to reach an EPCR competition semi-final as they bested Edinburgh Rugby 36-30 in the quarter-final of the EPCR Challenge Cup at Hollywoodbets Kings Park this weekend.
A second half try from hooker Bongi Mbonambi, coupled with 14 points from the boot of fly-half Siya Masuka, who totalled 18 points in the contest, helped overturn a 16-14 half time deficit.
The first half was a topsy-turvy affair, with both sides enjoying periods of dominance.
Tries from outside centre Lukhanyo Am and flanker James Venter kept the hosts in contention in the opening 40 minutes, with Edinburgh Rugby prop Pierre Schoeman crossing for the Scottish club in addition to 11 points from the boot of fly-half Ben Healy.
However, the visitors couldn’t maintain their performance through the second half, settling for late consolation tries from Hamish Watson and Dave Cherry – Healy converting both to take his tally for the afternoon to 15.
Replacement fly-half Curwen Bosch added a late penalty for the hosts to add the icing on the cake.
Hollywoodbets Sharks will now host ASM Clermont Auvergne in the last four following the TOP14 club’s 53-14 romp of Ulster Rugby. Written by Ntsako Mkhari
The 2024 gsport Hall of Fame luncheon saw the induction of the 19th legend into the organisation's list of prestigious female athletes. The annual event honours extraordinary women who have left an in-erasable mark in South African sport. This year’s luncheon carried special significance as it corresponded with the […]
