The Sharks announced their arrival in the Champions Cup with a thrilling 39-21 victory over Exeter, propelling them to the top of Pool 1 as potential dark horses. The Durban-based team combined flashes of brilliance with moments of indiscipline, ultimately holding off a late Exeter surge despite finishing the match with 14 men.
John Plumtree’s men overcame a shaky start, showing their class during the second and third quarters with a dominant attacking display, securing a vital bonus-point win. However, three yellow cards in the final quarter exposed discipline issues that nearly derailed their momentum.
The Sharks’ squad, boasting 14 Springboks and nine World Cup winners, underlined their threat with a powerful set-piece and clinical attacking moments. Standout performances from Phepsi Buthelezi, Makazole Mapimpi, Grant Williams, and Siya Kolisi (with a brace of tries) underscored the team’s attacking depth.
The game began inauspiciously for the hosts. Flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse’s premature kickoff and Durban’s notorious heat and humidity contributed to a disjointed opening quarter. Injuries to flankers Vincent Tshituka and James Venter added further disruption. Yet, the Sharks found their rhythm through broken play, with Buthelezi sparking their attack from deep inside their own 22.
The Sharks scored four tries in a scintillating 20-minute spell before halftime, with Buthelezi, Mapimpi, Williams, and Kolisi all crossing the whitewash. Despite Exeter’s efforts to fight back, including two first-half tries from Dan Frost, the visitors could not match the Sharks’ attacking ferocity.
Exeter’s second-half resurgence gained momentum as the Sharks faltered with Etzebeth, Van Heerden, and Eduan Keyter all receiving yellow cards in quick succession. Reduced to 12 men at one point, the Sharks showed remarkable resilience to prevent Exeter from capitalizing fully, holding firm to start their campaign on a high.
The Sharks will now turn their attention to Leicester, where they aim to build on this statement win. With their attacking arsenal and a strong set-piece, they look ready to shake up the competition. However, addressing their disciplinary lapses will be key as the tournament progresses.
Match Scorers
Sharks (39):
Tries: Phepsi Buthelezi, Makazole Mapimpi, Grant Williams, Siya Kolisi (2)
Conversions: Jordan Hendrikse (4)
Penalties: Hendrikse (2)
Exeter Chiefs (21):
Tries: Dan Frost (2), Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
Conversions: Josh Hodge (3)
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