Shaun Goosen picks out five Hollywoodbets Sharks players that shone during the team’s 41-24 URC win over Munster at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday.
Grant Williams
The Springbok No 9 was simply untouchable at the Tank, setting up Aphelele Fassi for their side’s first try inside the opening minute, scoring one himself and teeing up Andre Esterhuizen for another. His decision-making and execution with ball in hand was sublime, while his work on defence, as highlighted post-match by coach John Plumtree, was also a standout: his scramble defence seeing him complete his 59-minute Man of the Match showing with six tackles.
You cannot give Grant Williams space like this 👟💨
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) October 26, 2024
📺 Stream #VURC on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/yE62y3Prjq
Eben Etzebeth
The Dog of War was colossal on Saturday, constantly putting the Munster attack under pressure with his speed off the defensive line, remaining a tower of strength at the lineout and putting in 14 tackles. He did seem to pick up an injury late on, which may concern Rassie Erasmus with the November internationals just a fortnight away, though the Bok titan did manage to finish the game.
Ox Nche
With Vincent Koch, Bongi Mbonambi and Nche in the front row, the Sharks boast arguably the best scrum in the entire competition. Ox had another barnstorming outing in Durban, drilling Munster tighthead Stephen Archer at set piece, crossing the gainline twice with some trademark ball carrying and racking up 13 tackles.
Vincent Tshituka
The Sharks’ back row depth is ridiculous, but Tshituka remains the leading contender at blindside flank following a typically brutal display on the side of the scrum. The Congolese made 21 hits on defence, showed some soft hands to assist Williams for his score and bagged one himself after charging down a clearance from Alex Kendellen. And how about the below bit of defensive work?
Not on Vincent Tshituka’s field, not today.#BKTURC #URC | #SHAvMUN pic.twitter.com/SPtAMoX8KM
— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) October 26, 2024
Andre Esterhuizen
The former Harlequin’s power play and distribution game is proving invaluable to the Sharks’ efforts this season. The midfielder broke the gainline five times, with one resulting in a first phase try from a scrum inside the Munster red zone. Esterhuizen also put Makazole Mapimpi in for the side’s second try.
