A number of South Africa’s World Cup winners returned for the hosts, who open their Pool 1 campaign at home to Section Paloise on December 9, and they made their presence felt.
The Hollywoodbets Sharks went on to record their first win of the United Rugby Championship against the Dragons on Saturday by 69-14.
The Durban outfit were bolstered by the return of their Springboks within the match 23 and it was a much-improved performance. At half-time, the score was already 20-7 as all back-three members Makazole Mapimpi, Aphelele Fassi and Werner Kok scored a try each.
We're not sure who loved this one more, the crowd or Faasi 🤩🥳
— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) November 25, 2023
Hendrikse with the Quarterback style pass to set up the opening try for @SharksRugby 🏉@Vodacom #URC | #SHAvDRA pic.twitter.com/OS5DXU2mQd
After the break, the Sharks went into overdrive as they produced sizzling rugby thanks to tries from Boks Grant Williams (2), Eben Etzebeth, and Lukhanyo Am. Then the rest of the scorers were Jeandre Labuschagne, Phepsi Buthelezi and Fassi doubled his try tally.
🦈🦈🦈 EBEN ETZEBETH FANS, COMMENT HOW YOU FEEL? 😍😍😍@SharksRugby & @Springboks 'The Enforcer' is back 💥@Vodacom #URC | #SHAvDRA pic.twitter.com/Qjgk8QLVsj
— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) November 25, 2023
The Dragons had at least something to cheer about as they got a consolation try thanks to Wales international winger Rio Dyer. The Sharks needed this win as a confidence boost ahead for the away trip to the Bulls.
The Pretoria side are currently leading the standings out of all the South African teams and are currently on a good run now. Only time will tell but if last Saturday is anything to go by, the Sharks team are well on their way to becoming the formidable side of South African Rugby in this URC tournament.
