The rugby team based in Durban, known as the Hollywoodbets Sharks, faced a challenging start in the EPCR Challenge Cup final held in London. In the early stages of the game, fullback Aphelele Fassi received a yellow card in the sixth minute, placing the team in a difficult position. Nevertheless, they successfully navigated the challenge presented by Gloucester and managed to turn the momentum of the game in their favor within 20 minutes before and after halftime.
At the halftime break, the Hollywoodbets Sharks were in the lead with a score of 16-3. Flyhalf Siya Masuku displayed impeccable accuracy by scoring three penalty goals and successfully converting Phepsi Buthelezi’s remarkable try. The try, which was achieved in the 25th minute, involved Buthelezi breaking through three tackles and executing a brilliant dummy to secure the opening points of the match. Masuku further added two penalty goals early in the second half, followed by two quick-succession tries by Fassi and Makazole Mapimpi, effectively securing the victory for the Hollywoodbets Sharks.
Masuku’s outstanding performance throughout the game significantly contributed to the team’s success. His eight successful kicks from nine attempts earned him a personal total of 21 points. However, Masuku’s achievements would not have been possible without the dominant performance of the team’s pack, particularly the Springbok front row consisting of Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi, and Vincent Kock.
In addition to exceptional teamwork, the Sharks’ strong performance was also attributable to the robust defense exhibited by Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth, who led the team in the absence of the injured Lukhanyo Am, and his fellow forwards. The combination of Grant Williams and Mapimpi added dynamism to the team’s attacking capabilities.
Despite a late attempt by Gloucester to stage a comeback by scoring two tries in the final five minutes of the game, the Hollywoodbets Sharks maintained control throughout, ultimately securing the victory and a place in the Investec Champions Cup for the next season.
The final score of the match stood at 36-22 in favor of the Hollywoodbets Sharks. The team’s exceptional performance was evident in their impressive 100% success rate in scrums, contrasting starkly with Gloucester’s 56% success rate in the same area.
With this historic victory, the Hollywoodbets Sharks not only made history but also demonstrated their prowess on the international stage, solidifying their position as a formidable force in the world of rugby.
Scorers:
Hollywoodbets Sharks 36 (16)
– Tries: Phepsi Buthelezi, Aphelele Fassi, Makazole Mapimpi. Conversions: Siya Masuku (3). Penalty goals: Masuku (5).
Gloucester 22 (3)
– Tries: Albert Tuisue, Santiago Socino, Freddie Clarke. Conversions: Adam Hastings (2). Penalty goal: Caolan Englefield.