It took a last-minute Makazole Mapimpi try to earn the Hollywoodbets Sharks an 18-17 URC win at Edinburgh on Friday. Here we pick out five standout players in what was something of an ill-tempered encounter.
Andre Esterhuizen
The Giant continues to have a fantastic return season for the Sharks, producing a Man of the Match performance in the Scottish capital after another hugely influential outing. Esterhuizen’s presence on both sides of the ball, particularly on defence, was massive. He ended up winning two big turnovers, making 26-carry metres and putting 12 tackles in one of his best campaign displays.
Lukhanyo Am
Yellow card aside, Am showed flashes of his old self, particularly in setting up Aphelele Fassi for their side’s first try early in the second half. The midfield great also popped up with six tackles and 14 metres with ball in hand as he looks to regain his best form ahead of the upcoming international season.
Phepsi Buthelezi
The ever-consistent Buthelezi again came up big for the Durbanites, with a typically workmanlike display from the side of the scrum. Playing opposite in-form Scotland international Jamie Ritchie, the Springbok loose forward more than held his own, finishing his 66 minutes of action with 16 tackles, which, in an attritional game like the one played on Friday, was as good as gold.
Siya Kolisi
Much like back row teammate Buthelezi, Siya had a busy evening on the defensive side of things. The eighth man matched Phepsi’s 16 tackles on the night, while he also contributed with a turnover in an encounter that wasn’t exactly ripe for the kind of free-flowing running we have come to expect from him this season.
Bongi Mbonambi
Alongisde his other front rankers, Bongi was solid again at hooker in some trying conditions. During his 46 minutes on the pitch, he hit all six of his lineout throws and put in 12 tackles on defence. While Ox Nche nearly got the nod for his kicking skills in the first half, we’ve ultimately opted for the Top Dog.
