The South African team, Hollywoodbets Sharks, emerged victorious in a thrilling final against Gloucester Rugby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with a final score of 36-22. The Sharks’ dominant performance included three impressive tries from Phepsi Buthelezi, Aphelele Fassi, and Makazole Mapimpi, securing them the title in the EPCR Challenge Cup.
The match commenced with Gloucester Rugby initially taking control, coming close to scoring within the first 10 minutes. However, it was the Hollywoodbets Sharks who capitalized on their momentum, with Buthelezi scoring a brilliant try and Siya Masuku converting eight kicks at goal. This set the tone for the rest of the game, with additional tries from Mapimpi and Fassi solidifying the Sharks’ lead.
Despite late tries from Freddie Clarke, Santiago Socino, and Albert Tuisue for Gloucester, the Hollywoodbets Sharks maintained their dominant position throughout the match.
A notable highlight of the game was the Sharks’ scrum dominance, with Gloucester struggling to find a solution to counter their formidable front row. The penalties from the scrum count reflected the Sharks’ superiority, with a 6-1 advantage over Gloucester. This aspect of the game proved to be a pivotal factor in the Sharks’ victory.
Vincent Koch from the Sharks was awarded the Player of the Match, exhibiting exceptional performance in the scrums and contributing significantly to the team’s success. The formal player ratings also reflected the Sharks’ outstanding performance, with key players receiving high marks for their contributions.
The victory by Hollywoodbets Sharks not only secured their triumph in the EPCR Challenge Cup but also marked a historic moment as the first South African side to win a European club trophy. Their achievement solidifies their position as a formidable force in international rugby.
The broadcast rights for premium live sports coverage, including the EPCR Challenge Cup, are now presented by TNT Sports in the UK, providing fans with access to a wide range of sporting events. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, offering a comprehensive subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport, and entertainment content.
Overall, the Hollywoodbets Sharks’ exceptional performance and triumph in the EPCR Challenge Cup final showcased their prowess and marked a significant moment in rugby history, setting a new standard for South African teams in European club competitions.