Bolstered by their returning Springboks, the Sharks ran in 10 tries to thump the Dragons in Durban for their first win of the 2023-24 URC.
The 69-14 result snapped a six-match slump for the Sharks dating back to the 35-5 playoff defeat to Leinster in May.
Dominance at scrum time paid off handsomely for the Sharks who feasted on a surfeit of penalties in the first half, capitalising with a try from each member of the back three, namely man-of-the-match Makazole Mapimpi, Aphelele Fassi and Werner Kok. Dragons replied when scrumhalf Dane Blacker dotted down to make it 20-7 at the break.
We’re not sure who loved this one more, the crowd or Faasi 🤩🥳
Hendrikse with the Quarterback style pass to set up the opening try for @SharksRugby 🏉@Vodacom #URC | #SHAvDRA pic.twitter.com/OS5DXU2mQd
— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) November 25, 2023
Smelling blood, the Sharks upped the tempo after the restart, scoring seven tries in the second half courtesy of replacement scrumhalf Grant Williams (2), lock Eben Etzebeth, flanker Phepsi Buthelezi, replacement loosie Jeandre Labuschagne, Lukhanyo Am and Fassi struck again, while the Dragons got some consolation when winger Rio Dyer dived over in the corner.
🦈🦈🦈 EBEN ETZEBETH FANS, COMMENT HOW YOU FEEL? 😍😍😍@SharksRugby & @Springboks ‘The Enforcer’ is back 💥@Vodacom #URC | #SHAvDRA pic.twitter.com/Qjgk8QLVsj
— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) November 25, 2023
Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
