Sharks booked their place within the EPCR Problem Cup remaining after combating again from 13 factors behind to beat Clermont Auvergne 32-31.
Fly-half Siya Masuku saved the Durban outfit within the match with an ideal kicking file of six first-half penalties and two conversions as they edged previous Clermont.
The Sharks had regarded out of the sport after a brace of first-half tries by Joris Jurand and a 3rd by Alex Newsome, coupled with Anthony Belleau penalties, gave their facet a 13-point benefit within the second half.
Nonetheless, ill-discipline price Clermont all through the match and finally Bautista Delguy noticed yellow along with his facet in management.
The cardboard swung momentum and the Sharks got here combating again as Vincent Koch’s strive pulled them inside six factors.
Regardless of Aphelele Fassi additionally being despatched to the sin-bin for the Sharks they continued to stress their opponents and Makazole Mapimpi scored their second strive 10 minutes from time.
Masuku saved his calm to kick the successful conversion to arrange a Tottenham Hotspur Stadium remaining on Could 24 towards both Gloucester or Benetton.
Speaking Level – Battle of Sharks places them into first Problem Cup remaining
The South African facet regarded lifeless and buried within the second half towards Clermont and confirmed nice perception to get again into the match.
Key to their success was Siya Masuku, who saved the scoreboard ticking over within the first half whereas his facet have been beneath extreme stress.
As quickly as Bautista Delguy was proven yellow and Clermont have been decreased to 14 males, the Sharks smelt blood and got here combating again.
Whoever they face within the remaining should struggle to the final whistle towards an outfit who by no means give in.
Participant of the Match – Siya Masuku (Sharks)
The 27-year-old fly-half regarded calm and composed from the tee all afternoon.
Clermont would have been out of sight by half-time had it not been for Masuku’s six good penalties.
The South African regarded assured even kicking long-distance efforts over and his 22 factors have been very important of their win.
Participant Scores
Sharks: Fassi 7, Kok 8, Am 7, Hooker 7, Mapimpi 8, Masuku 9, Williams 7, Nche 7, Mbonambi 7, Koch 8, Etzebeth 8, Van Heerden 6, J Venter 7, Tshituka 7, Buthelezi 7
Replacements: Mbatha 6, Mchunu 6, Jacobs 6, Grobler 7, Labuschagne 7, F Venter 6
Clermont: Newsome 8, Delguy 6, Heriteau 7, Darricarrere 6, Jurand 8, Belleau 7, Jauneau 7, Beria 6, Fourcade 6, Slimani 7, Simmons 7, Lavanini 7, Kremer 6, Yato 7, Lee 7
Replacements: Beheregaray 6, Ojovan 6, Lanen 7, Sowakula 6, Fall 6
Match Highlights
6 – TRY! SHARKS 3 CLERMONT 7 (JURAND)
Flanker Yatu with a mazy run drives on the Sharks earlier than taking part in an ideal move broad which is taken by Jurand who sprints down the wing to attain. The conversion by Belleau is a tough one however flies over the posts.
19- TRY! SHARKS 12 CLERMONT 15 (JURAND)
Beria retains the ball alive earlier than a cross-field kick by Belleau straight to the palms of Jurand opens the road. The left winger jinks previous the masking defender earlier than runs over.
Belleau runs out of time along with his kick earlier than speeding it and kicking broad.
Tshituka takes a giant hit as two Clermont gamers cost into him.
The ensuing penalty is kicked from an affordable distance by Masuku to stage the match at 15-15. It’s his fifth penalty within the first half.
29 – TRY! SHARKS 18 CLERMONT 22 (NEWSOME)
Clermont have the ball at shut vary after which launch it shortly throughout the road and a pleasant run by Belleau releases Newsome to attain. Belleau slots over the conversion.
41- CLERMONT TAKE 13-POINT LEAD
Clermont are awarded a penalty straight from the kick-off. Belleau makes no mistake beneath the posts to kick his facet 18-31 forward.
60 – TRY! SHARKS 25 (KOCH) CLERMONT 31
Sharks stress finally leads to a drive near the road being held up and Koch diving over from shut vary. Masuku makes no mistake along with his penalty.
70 – TRY! SHARKS 32 (MAPIMPI) CLERMONT 31
A take from Etzebeth leads to him discovering Tshituka, who offloads completely for Am who releases Mapimpi out broad to attain. Masuku is once more good with the boot to kick his facet again forward.
Key Stat
- Clermont conceded 12 penalties to the Sharks’ six.
