Sharks edge Edinburgh to make last 4
DURBAN – The Hollywoodbets Sharks turned up the power in the second half to pummel Edinburgh and book their place in the EPCR Challenge Cup semi-finals with a 36-30 victory.
Edinburgh led 16-14 in the first half, and managed to keep up the arm wrestle with the Durban side, but the power that came through in the second half, especially up front, was enough for the Sharks to pull away and win comfortably in the end. The scoreline was actually a lot more comfortable for John Plumtree’s side as Edinburgh scored two late tries to make the scoreline look a lot more respectable.
The Sharks are now one step closer to their goal of winning silverware and if they do, getting automatic qualification for the Investec Champions Cup next season. They will now face the winner between Ulster and Clermont in their semi-final, which will take place away from home in Europe.
The side from Durban made their dominance count thanks to flyhalf Siya Masuku’s two penalty goals, making the score 20-16 after 52 minutes. The away side was suffocating as the Sharks were all over them, smelling blood. A third try came for the Sharks through Mbonambi; Masuku got the extra two points taking the lead to 27-16.
The Sharks managed the game well after the hour mark, stopping Edinburgh from making any ground. They kept the scoreboard ticking with another two Masuku penalties, ensuring the Sharks lead 33-16 in the final 10 minutes.
Edinburgh made the ending of the match a nervy one for the Sharks after Hamish Watson scored a converted try to close the gap to 10 with five minutes remaining. The Sharks added to their score with a Curwin Bosch penalty, though another converted score for Edinburgh through Dave Cherry made it a close game but it was not enough.