The Hollywoodbets Sharks made history on Friday night by becoming the first South African team to claim success in Europe, securing a 36-22 victory over Gloucester in the European Challenge Cup final in London.
The Durban-based team delivered an impressive and physical performance, with their forwards leading the charge at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Despite facing early pressure and a yellow card for fullback Aphelele Fassi in the sixth minute, the Sharks expertly managed the Gloucester challenge. They then shifted gears to dominate the 20 minutes before and after halftime, taking firm control of the game.
The Hollywoodbets Sharks led 16-3 at the break, with flyhalf Siya Masuku flawless off the tee.
Masuku converted three penalty goals and added the extras after Phepsi Buthelezi’s superb try in the 25th minute, where the dynamic No. 8 broke three tackles and sold a beautiful dummy before racing over the tryline for the opening five-pointer of the match.
Masuku continued his stellar performance in the second half, adding two more penalty goals before setting up two tries in quick succession.
Aphelele Fassi and wing Makazole Mapimpi both crossed the line between the 55th and 60th minutes, the latter off a pinpoint cross-kick from Masuku.
Both tries were converted by Masuku, who finished the game with an impressive eight kicks from nine attempts, contributing 21 points to his team’s total.
The Sharks’ dominant forward pack laid the foundation for their victory. While their lineout wasn’t flawless, the KwaZulu-Natalians demolished their English opponents in the scrum.
The Springbok front row of Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi, and Vincent Koch—who was named Player of the Match—were instrumental in this dominant display.
Behind them, Springbok lock and captain Eben Etzebeth, stepping up in the absence of the injured Lukhanyo Am, and his fellow forwards tackled relentlessly, stifling Gloucester’s efforts. Scrumhalf Grant Williams and wing Mapimpi were particularly dangerous on the attack.
Gloucester managed to score two late tries in the final five minutes, boosting their points tally, but they were never truly in the game aside from the opening quarter-hour.
The Sharks’ superior possession and territorial control, combined with their scrum dominance—winning 100% of their scrums compared to Gloucester’s 56%—proved decisive.
In the end, both teams scored three tries apiece, and their stats for successful lineouts and tackles were identical. However, the Sharks’ impeccable scrum performance set them apart, ensuring their historic victory.
With this triumph, the Hollywoodbets Sharks not only made history but also secured their spot in the Investec Champions Cup for next season.
Source: SA Rugby
