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SHARKS ENDS FIRST PHASE OF CHAMPIONSHIP ON HIGH NOTE AFTER PUTTING 50 ON CLAREMONT

Published: 2026-01-18 14:56:34 Last Updated: 2026-01-19 08:32:18

The Hollywoodbets Sharks defeated a weak Clermont Auvergne team 50-12 in their Pool 1 match in Durban on Saturday to cap off their Investec Champions Cup pool phase on a positive note. However, JP Pietersen's team will have to wait until later on Saturday to find out if they advance to the playoffs. To advance to the Round of 16, French powerhouse Toulouse must defeat Sale Sharks.
The Sharks' victory puts them in fourth place with 10 points at the end of the game, but if Toulouse defeats Sale at home, they might still overtake them and advance to the EPCR Challenge Cup.
However, it also highlights how the Sharks could have qualified much earlier for the playoff rounds if they had chosen not to play a second-string team against Sale last weekend. They came within 14 points of winning against a mediocre Sale team, and with some of their larger players, they could have qualified much higher.
Even though the French club sent a second-string squad to Durban and would end their campaign without a win, the Sharks were still much too powerful despite resting some of their star players. The visitors were also lacking in self-control, as evidenced by their red and yellow cards during the match and their constant need to catch up to a Sharks team that never appeared to be losing.
Despite being held to 14-12 at halftime, the Sharks scored in the first minute of the match and finished with eight tries. They easily won the huge game after scoring six unanswered tries in the second half. Even though they were frequently their own worst enemies, the Sharks increased their tempo and physicality in the second half. Players like Jurenzo Julius, Corne Rahl, Ox Nche, and Phiko Sobahle stood out, and man of the match Matt Ramao was a major pain in the opposition's side.
Aphelele Fassi scored the first goal for the Sharks in the first minute after Jaden Hendrikse skilfully chipped over the defence. Fassi made a crucial tackle on his own line to thwart Clermont's initial attack and prevent the opposition from scoring their first try.

When Yerim Fall went up to challenge for a ball with Yaw Penxe, he lost the contest and wrapped his arms around Penxe, who fell on his back, prompting the referee to give the visitors a 20-minute red. Jason Jenkins had the opportunity to increase the score but lost the ball over the line shortly after.

Although it seemed harsh in the situation, Clermont overcame it and scored next, taking advantage of the Sharks' lack of space for winger Joris Jurand to do so. The Sharks immediately retaliated, forcing a five-meter scrum before Ramao altered course and gave Jaden Hendrikse the easiest of tries after drawing every defender and leaving the halfback unharmed.

Despite having a man advantage, the Sharks were unable to deliver a decisive blow. On multiple instances, Clermont appeared more powerful and menacing than the Sharks, so it wasn't shocking when, around the half-hour mark, they applied enough pressure for a cross kick to beat Fassi and send fullback Kylen Hamdaoui over in the corner.

As a result, the score at halftime was a perilous 14–12.

When the second half began, a revitalised Sharks team took the pitch and began pressing Clermont right away. Before long, they were hammering the Clermont line, and Mr Fantastic Vincent Koch discovered a big enough opening to smash through.

The margin between the two teams was widened five minutes later when a superb mistake was sent wide, and winger Sobahle ran downfield unchecked to score with a swallow dive. After that, there was only one team in the game, and the Sharks took advantage of their home-field advantage to score when it mattered.

To cap off an incredible day for the Sharks, Fassi scored his second goal, Siya Masuku added his name to the score, Phepsi Buthelezi scored a 60-meter try following a turnover, and Julius concluded with a try in the 80th minute.

It might not be sufficient, in which case it will be a matter of what ought to have been. However, a fifty-pointer seemed ideal for the Sharks' final pool game on a hot summer's day in Durban.

Article Tags: Sport Claremont Sharks Rugby Championship Investec