Sharks’ bite too strong as Edinburgh’s Euro dream dies
EDINBURGH put up a brave fight but were unable to keep their European hopes alive after suffering a valiant quarter-final defeat against the Sharks in Durban.
Prop Pierre Schoeman, flanker Hamish Watson and hooker Dave Cherry — in the game’s final play — scored Edinburgh’s tries, while fly-half Ben Healy kicked three penalties and three conversions.
But the Sharks’ superior firepower was underlined through touchdowns from centre Lukhanyo Am, flanker James Venter and hooker Bongi Mbonambi.
Fly-half Siya Masuku converted all three tries and kicked four penalties for an 18-point haul, while Curwin Bosch booted a late penalty as the South African side moved into a semi-final against Clermont Auvergne following their 53-14 victory over Ulster.
Healy kicked two early penalties for Edinburgh, but the hosts hit back through an outstanding 17th-minute try when wing Makazole Mapimpi shredded the visiting defence before sending his fellow South African World Cup winner Am over to score.
Masuku added the extras and Edinburgh were undone again 10 minutes later by Venter.
Masuku converted, but Eben Etzebeth was then yellowcarded by referee Matthew Carley for a line-out infringement and Edinburgh capitalised on their temporary advantage when Schoeman crashed over from close range and Healy added the extras.
Healy completed his penalty hat-trick to secure a 16-14 interval advantage.
Two Masuku penalties shortly after the break put the Sharks back in front before Mbonambi broke clear for a try that Masuku converted.