Despite a difficult outing for the second-string Hollywoodbets Sharks against Lyon in their 34-19 EPCR Challenge Cup round of 16’s defeat on Sunday, we pick out five of the best for the men in black and white.
Tino Mavesere
The Zimbabwean international has one helluva engine on him, and his determination on both sides of the ball and never-say-die attitude is a big boon for John Plumtree’s boys. In a rare start on the side of the scrum, Mavesere persevered as well as he could, but he probably needed more support from those around him. Aside from his banger of a try in the 79th minute, he finished with 64 carry metres, two turnovers and 12 tackles in a valiant performance.
Fez Mbatha
Although Bongi Mbonambi may have a few seasons left in him yet, 25-year-old Mbatha continues to press his case as the Sharks’ long-term answer at hooker. The Maritzburg College Old Boy arguably deserves more game time and clearly has the talent and hunger to make a proper splash at this level. Fez opened the Durbanites’ account with an early score, hit 12 of his 15-lineout darts, carried for 18 metres and made six tackles.
Nick Hatton
The Sharks’ skipper on the day continues to impress, albeit in a dire situation against the Top 14 heavyweights. Hatton’s calm demeanour belies his 22 years of age and amongst some fierce competition for starting loose forward places at the Shark Tank, the Hilton Old Boy remains a solid go-to for Plumtree. He managed to put in 42 metres in the carry, one turnover and 15 tackles for his team.
Bathobele Hlekani
The former SA U20 back five forward certainly made the most of his limited opportunity in the big leagues on Sunday. Hlekani was only introduced off the bench late on in the contest but in a relatively short space of time made some powerhouse ball carries and got busy on defence. His cameo would definitely have made an impression on the Sharks bosses, who may have a bit of a gem in their ranks.
Andre Esterhuizen
Although he was guilty of the odd error in Lyon, The Giant’s brutality in contact continues to wreak havoc on opposition defences and put his side in advantageous field positions – even if they didn’t necessarily make the most of them in this knockout tie. Esterhuizen made 15-metres with ball in hand, four carries across the gainline and three hits on defence.
