The Sharks ended a three-game losing streak emphatically by running in six tries to thrash Oyonnax in the Challenge Cup at Kings Park on Saturday.
Two tries a piece courtesy of prop Ox Nche and winger Makazole Mapimpi steered the Sharks to a 38-7 win.
Hot and humid Durban weather accounted for plenty of handling errors in the first half, but the Sharks played the conditions best as Nche crossed the whitewash twice before Mapimpi turned on the afterburners for the hosts’ third try and a 19-0 lead at the break.
𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐲𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 1️⃣9️⃣-0️⃣ 𝐎𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐱
Half-time euphoria for the Sharks against Oyonnax. Makazole Mapimpi lights up the Shark Tank with a brilliant try 🏉💨
📱 Stream #EPCR live: https://t.co/bDeiretgWP pic.twitter.com/p7clqXw0eD
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) January 13, 2024
Oyonnax opened the scoring in the second half as prop Thibault Berthaud crashed over, but the Sharks struck back swiftly through tries from centre Lukhanyo Am, flanker Lappies Labuschagne and Mapimpi.
The visitors piled pressure on the hosts during the final quarter, but resolute defence kept Oyonnax at bay as the Sharks recorded a second win of their 2023-24 Challenge Cup campaign.
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images