logo
Sharks grind out URC win over Scarlets, face Munster in quarters, Stormers get Glasgow

Sharks grind out URC win over Scarlets, face Munster in quarters, Stormers get Glasgow

IOL News17-05-2025
André Esterhuizen Sharks centre André Esterhuizen barges through the Scarlets defence at Kings Park on Saturday night. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Sharks fans watched this match with one hand over an eye as their team arm-wrestled to a 12-3 victory over the Scarlets in Durban on Saturday night, as they steered themselves to third place on the United Rugby Championship log.
Leinster beat the Glasgow Warriors 13-5 in the last match of the weekend, which saw the Sharks finish third and avoid the uncomfortable proposition of hosting the Stormers in a quarter-final.
The Sharks will now instead host Munster, while the Stormers have to travel to Glasgow to take on the defending champions at Scotstoun Stadium.
Before the match kicked off, there was a wonderful gesture from Sharks captain Eben Etzebeth in respect of last week's passing of former Springbok Cornal Hendricks.
Today in honour of Cornal Hendricks 🤍
Our Hollywoodbets Sharks players, in an initiative led by our captain Eben Etzebeth, will have the number 14 on their warm-up jerseys. These jerseys will be signed and sold on Monday. All proceeds from the sale of these jerseys will go to… pic.twitter.com/v4KaLr57Iu — The Sharks (@SharksRugby) May 17, 2025
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Etzebeth had arranged for an image of Hendricks in a Springbok jersey to be placed on the team's warm-up jerseys, and each player autographed them for auction.
The proceeds are to go to Hendricks' family.
As it turned out, Etzebeth was voted Player of the Match, and that was fitting considering his gesture towards Hendricks.
The Bok No 4 was colossal for the Sharks as they ground out a victory in which no tries were scored by either side.
There was an expectation among many Sharks supporters that victory over the Scarlets was a matter of course, but this was a Welsh team playing a 'final' of sorts.
They went into this game in a precarious eighth position and with plenty at stake.
Just like the Sharks, they wanted to finish as high on the log position as possible in the scramble towards the United Rugby Championship quarter-finals.
It meant an arm-wrestle from the first whistle, and while the Sharks had the better of the admittedly tight opportunities in the first half, they could not score because of clumsy finishing.
The Scarlets also had chances to score, but they were cut short by superb cover tackling by the likes of wings Ethan Hooker and Makazole Mapimpi, and centres Jurenzo Julius and André Esterhuizen.
It was a minute before halftime that the Sharks scored the first points of the match, a penalty by Siya Masuku, but as the hooter sounded, Sam Costelow out of nowhere struck a drop goal to call it 3-3.
It was a brilliant strike by the Wales flyhalf, who overall was one of the better players on the night.
Costelow's drop kick made it all the more telling when his opposite number Masuku went off injured 12 minutes into the second half and had to be replaced at No 10 by Aphelele Fassi, with Yaw Penxe coming on at fullback.
The Sharks had no specialist flyhalf on the bench, and Fassi's first duty at flyhalf was to strike home a penalty to put the Sharks 6-3 ahead 15 minutes into the second half.
It was coolly done by Fassi, and he emulated the job 15 minutes later as the game hit the 60-minute mark.
The Sharks had been relentlessly beating down on the Scarlets' defence, and the penalty came their way.
It was more of the same for the Sharks as they worked another penalty for Fassi to show he has goal-kicking prowess.
Points-Scorers
Sharks 12 – Penalties: Siya Masuku (1), Aphelele Fassi (3).
Scarlets 3 – Drop Goal: Sam Costelow (1).
URC Quarter-Finals (weekend of May 30-31)
Dublin: Leinster v Scarlets
Pretoria: Bulls v Edinburgh
Durban: Sharks v Munster
Glasgow: Glasgow Warriors v Stormers
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Could this radical idea bring the glory days back to the Currie Cup?
Could this radical idea bring the glory days back to the Currie Cup?

IOL News

time3 hours ago

  • IOL News

Could this radical idea bring the glory days back to the Currie Cup?

Poor attendance Very few people attended last weekend's Currie Cup clash between the Lions and Sharks at Ellis Park on Johannesburg. Photo: Alche Greeff/BackpagePix Rugby YouTuber and TikTok content creator Jordan Buhrs has floated an idea on his channel that could resurrect the Currie Cup. South Africa's domestic competition kicked off last weekend with teams struggling for attendance. In the United Rugby Championship era, the Currie Cup has struggled for relevance. In stark contrast to previous years, last year's final between the Lions and the Sharks at Ellis Park did not attract a full house. Buhrs, in a video posted on his TikTok channel Jordan Buhrs Rugby, suggested the tournament deserves a major shake-up to build up the hype and bring back its glory years.

Lions lure future Springbok superstar Bathobele Hlekani from Sharks
Lions lure future Springbok superstar Bathobele Hlekani from Sharks

The South African

time5 hours ago

  • The South African

Lions lure future Springbok superstar Bathobele Hlekani from Sharks

The Lions have pulled off a major recruitment coup ahead of the next United Rugby Championship (URC) season, with Junior Springbok star Bathobele Hlekani set to make the move from Durban to Johannesburg. The 20-year-old utility forward, who was born in Zwide in the Eastern Cape and educated at Graeme College, starred for South Africa at the recent World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy, will join the Lions squad following the conclusion of the 2025 Currie Cup. Hlekani played a key role in helping the Junior Boks lift the U20 title for the first time since 2012, showcasing his versatility, physicality, and tactical awareness. His performances earned him a call-up to the Springboks' two-week conditioning camp in Johannesburg, alongside fellow Junior Springboks Haashim Pead and Cheswill Jooste. ALSO READ | Paarl Gimnasium vs Paarl Boys' High: Every Springbok produced Although currently part of the Sharks' Currie Cup squad, Hlekani did not feature in their opening match against the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday, as he was rested following a demanding international schedule. Hlekani made his senior debut for the Sharks in the 2024 Currie Cup and came off the bench in their European Challenge Cup Round-of-16 clash against French giants Lyon in April. Hlekani's upcoming switch bucks the recent trend of young talent heading from Johannesburg to Durban, and strengthens a Lions side already busy in the transfer market. The union recently secured scrumhalf Haashim Pead through to 2028 and snapped up a trio of schoolboy stars from Grey College – Ethan Adams, Sherwin Buys, and David Hayidakis – widely regarded as some of the most exciting young prospects in South African rugby. The move signals the Lions' intent to rebuild and compete aggressively in both the URC and domestic competitions, with a clear focus on emerging talent and long-term squad development. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

‘Sneak peak to our forever': Springbok Vincent Tshituka ties the knot with flair [Videos, Pics]
‘Sneak peak to our forever': Springbok Vincent Tshituka ties the knot with flair [Videos, Pics]

The Citizen

time5 hours ago

  • The Citizen

‘Sneak peak to our forever': Springbok Vincent Tshituka ties the knot with flair [Videos, Pics]

Springbok flanker Vincent Tshituka and Katlego Monare shared their special day with the nation as the couple stepped into their 'forever'. Springbok Vincent Tshituka and his bride Katlego Monare. Pictures: Instagram/ @vincent_tshituka and Gallo Images Described by fans as 'one of the most wholesome moments in South African rugby off the pitch', Vincent Tshituka's stunning wedding has highlighted the Springbok newbie's growing popularity. The Congolese-born powerhouse flanker embarked on a new chapter in his life, tying the knot with Katlego Monare in an elegant wedding ceremony over the weekend. Vincent's journey from child refugee to Springbok star—now coupled with this joyous personal milestone—has cemented his status as a symbol of resilience and hope in the hearts of our nation. Rugby and romance: Springbok Vincent Tshituka says 'I do' The radiant couple headed to Instagram to showcase their love and stylish flair—from Katlego's stunning gown to Vincent's sharp suit. Springbok and Sharks player Vincent Tshituka and Katlego Monare on their wedding day. Pictures: Instagram/@vincent_tshituka In a joint post, the Tshitukas captioned a series of wedding photos, 'Sneak peek to Our Forever ♾️ Thank you to everybody that celebrated with us and for all the well wishes❤️.' The towering rugby player also shared a personal reflection, describing the occasion as 'the best day of my life❤️'. From the pitch to the altar: Mzansi congratulates Vincent and katlego Tshituka Their posts resonated deeply with fans, who flooded the comment section with messages of love and admiration. One fan wrote, 'So beautiful 😍… Single people will never forget 2024 😂,' while another praised, 'Vincent and Katlego are goals! Wishing them a lifetime of love'. Vincent's teammates from the Sharks and Springboks also joined in, celebrating the flanker's personal milestone. 'Just Married': The Tshitukas share their love with the world Vincent and Katlego also shared videos of their wedding day on their joint TikTok account, V&K, with their more than 24 000 followers. A love story that inspires The spotlight fell on Vincent and Katlego's love story in November last year when the couple posted a video of their lobola ceremony in matching Congolese African print outfits on their TikTok account. The post attracted 240K views, 35K likes, and almost 300 comments from social media users. Against all odds: Vincent Tshituka's rise to Springbok fame The 25-year-old Vincent Tshituka's journey to this moment has been nothing short of remarkable. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, he and his family fled to Johannesburg in 2002 as refugees, escaping political unrest. According to RugbyPass, his father, Simon, started out by gathering and selling scrap metal to keep the wolf from the door. Despite these humble beginnings, Vincent rose through the ranks of South African rugby, earning a scholarship to the University of Johannesburg and later starring for the Lions and Sharks. Having captained the Sharks to Currie Cup glory in 2024 and contributed to their EPCR Challenge Cup win, Tshituka's career is on an upward trajectory. His recent inclusion in Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus' squad and Test debut against Italy on 5 July is testament to the talented player's bright future. NOW READ: Rassie names 37 players in Bok squad to take on Australia

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store