Sharks 39-21 Exeter Chiefs: Match Recap
The Sharks secured a bonus-point victory over the Exeter Chiefs in Durban during their Investec Champions Cup clash, overcoming discipline issues to finish with a commanding 39-21 scoreline.
Key Highlights:
- Try Scorers for Sharks:
- Siya Kolisi (2 tries), leading from the front in a stellar performance.
- Makazole Mapimpi, Phepsi Buthelezi, and Grant Williams also crossed the try line.
- Exeter Chiefs’ Tries:
- Dan Frost grabbed a brace in the first half.
- Immanuel Feyi-Waboso finished a brilliant cross-kick play to add another.
- Kicking Contributions:
- Jordan Hendrikse (Sharks) nailed four conversions and two penalties.
- Josh Hodge (Exeter) was perfect off the tee with three conversions.
Game Flow:
- The match was packed with eight tries, five for the Sharks and three for Exeter.
- Despite having three players in the sin bin during the last 20 minutes, the Sharks held firm, leveraging the experience and brilliance of their Springbok players like Kolisi and Mapimpi.
- Exeter demonstrated tremendous resilience and strong scrum work, but their efforts fell short against the Sharks’ clinical finishing.
Benetton Struggle in Clermont
While the Durban clash was a try-fest, Clermont blanked Benetton 28-0 in France.
- Try Scorers for Clermont:
- Peceli Yato (2 tries) and Barnabe Massa (2 tries, scored within seven minutes).
- Kicking Precision:
- Argentine Benjamin Urdapilleta converted all four tries.
This marked a tough start for Benetton, who had high expectations after their strong European campaign last season.
What’s Next?
- Sharks will aim to build on their momentum despite discipline issues.
- Exeter can take pride in their set-piece dominance but will need to regroup for the next challenge.
- Benetton faces a rebuilding effort after a sobering loss to Clermont.
Fans can look forward to more exciting Champions Cup action as the tournament progresses! 🏉