Sharks feast on hapless Zebre to reach Challenge Cup quarterfinals

On a sodden Kings Park pitch, the Sharks put together one of their more complete performances in what has been a trying season, sending them into the quarterfinals of the tournament.

The hosts were first to cross the whitewash early on. Centre Ethan Hooker made good ground to set up front foot ball, then Masuku took it to the line and flipped a filthy inside pass to his flanker Vincent Tshituka who went over untouched. 

Despite the wet conditions, both teams were confident to spread the ball wide. Supported by their bigger forwards, the Sharks showed great ball retention to score their second in the far corner. Zebre repelled wave after wave of attack but the energetic Werner Kok would finally pick and drive to literally splash over for the try. Masuku's conversion took the score out to 14-3. 

The flyhalf, who is proving to be a revelation for the Durban franchise, also sparked the third try for the Sharks. A cheeky chip over the top was gathered by Lukhanyo Am and quick ball from the resulting ruck saw the big Corne Rahl storm over from 10m out. The hosts rumbled down the tunnel up 21-3 at halftime.

Masuku continued his magic in the second stanza. Hot on attack on the Zebre line, a neat grubber saw Aphelele Fassi dot down for the Sharks' fourth try.

The difficult afternoon continued for the the visitors when Phepsi Buthelezi bundled over the line after another successful lineout drive from the Springbok-laden Sharks pack. Minutes later, Hooker got just reward for his efforts in the midfield with a try from close range in the corner.

Replacement Curwin Bosch then added his name to the lengthy scoresheet with a fantastic solo effort from 50m out. Stepping through the tired Zebre defence, Bosh put a stamp on the Sharks' superlative performance.   

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