The Sharks restored some pride with a thumping 46-7 victory over visiting Benetton in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship round 17 clash at Kings Park, with centre Jurenzo Julius grabbing a hat-trick as the hosts showcased their exciting young backline talent.
Much of the pre-match focus centred on Zekhethelo Siyaya and whether the youngster could handle the switch from fullback to flyhalf in only his third URC appearance. The teenager showed flashes of brilliance with several strong carries and well-timed passes as he marshalled the backline confidently, as explained on the United Rugby Championship Wikipedia page.
However, Siyaya’s goal-kicking remains a work in progress after he missed three first-half conversion attempts. Young fullback Jaco Williams also underlined his potential, producing a delightful chicken-wing pass to send Edwill van der Merwe over for a thrilling opening try.
Sharks Backline Shine
The Springbok winger then added a second just before halftime to cap an impressive first-half display. But it was the “Boogie Man” Julius who tormented the Benetton defence throughout the afternoon. The burly centre powered over for his first try in the 21st minute after a twisting run and clever show-and-go before adding two more in the second half.
The Sharks forwards laid the platform for the youngsters to shine, dominating both the set-piece and collisions, with the front row of Ox Nche, Eduan Swart and Vincent Koch in complete control at scrum time. Springbok captain Siya Kolisi added the Sharks’ third try from a lineout maul in the 26th minute after Benetton had been reduced to 14 men.
Benetton Struggle to Respond
Sharks winger Makazole Mapimpi was poleaxed by Jacob Umaga in the closing stages of the half, and was unable to continue. The Benetton flyhalf was shown a yellow that was converted to a 20-minute red for head contact in the tackle. Captain Andre Esterhuizen then showed off his power early in the second stanza, bulldozing through two defenders to score in the 43rd minute, with scrumhalf Bradley Davids finally adding the conversion.
Benetton offered little on attack, even after returning to 15 men, while Sharks coach JP Pietersen rang the changes by introducing an entirely new front row of Phatu Ganyane, Fez Mbatha and Hanro Jacobs. Siyaya’s flyhalf debut also ended early, with Jean Smith taking over at pivot. Julius added his second after hitting the line at pace to collect a superb slipped pass from Esterhuizen before completing his hat-trick moments later, again with his captain providing the assist.
A late Cristiano Tizzano try proved a mere consolation for the visitors. But it was another Sharks youngster who would have the final say – substitute Litelihle Bester scoring in the corner to hand the home team the 46-7 victory. For more information on the United Rugby Championship, visit the official Pro14 website.
- Sharks tries: Van der Merwe (2), Julius (3), Kolisi, Esterhuizen, Bester
- Conversions: Davids, Smith (2)
- Benetton try: Tizzano
