mens
United-rugby-championship
Sharks player ratings: The Sharks arrived in Limerick and immediately knew what this night was going to be like. With rain pouring down throughout, it wasn’t a night for fancy rugby or a highlight reel attack. Instead, the South Africans accepted the terrible conditions, squeezed the territory, won the collisions and punished mistakes. Their set pieces grew stronger as the game wore on and, when they got their noses in front, they looked far more likely to get the job done.
15. Of Choice We Go – 9
What a talent. His electric burst from 50 meters and a forward strike created utter chaos before Lombard was quickest to react to score. He almost produced another outrageous solo try later in the half but just couldn’t collect himself. Recorded after the break but remained the game’s most dangerous forward, beating eight defenders and making two line-breaks.
14. Edwill van der Merwe – 6.5
Limited opportunities but remained disciplined and did a good job defensively. The game mostly went through Bok.
13. Suleiman Harzenberg – 6
Solid without grabbing the title. He helped shut down Munster’s midfield attack and handled the difficult conditions sensibly.
12. Ethan Hooker – 6
He marked his 50th Sharks appearance with a respectable performance in midfield. He took a big hit from Gleeson but kept coming. He carried it strongly and defended it diligently, even if Munster played it well.
11. Jaco Williams – 6
He won one aerial duel against McCarthy and constantly challenged Munster’s back three. An orderly exit in difficult conditions.
10. Gianni Lombard – 7.5
His excellent clearance from Russell’s powerful shot was an early indication of the confidence he was playing with. Used it Munster mistakes, kicked the opening try and added points that eventually extended the gap. Controlled territory very efficiently.
9. Jaden Hendrikse – 8.5
Very good game. He pressed O’Connor to take a penalty after a tackle incident, chipped Gleeson to force a turnover and produced a superb tackle in the second half. He dictated the game and made better decisions than his opposite number.
1. Ox Security – 7.5
He missed a few tackles but his scrum work was outstanding. At first Brookes found stubborn resistance before eventually gaining the upper hand. Sin-binned for an off-ball header on Loughman, but thankfully the review process kept him booked. It would be 8.5 if it weren’t for the yellow brain.
2. Ethan Bester – 7
Solid in the line and accurate with the arrows before leaving. Gave very little.
3. Hanro Jacobs – 7
The 129kg big man put his size to good use. He helped turn the tide decisively in the Sharks’ favor during the second half.
4. Jason Jenkins – 6.5
He returned against his former club and clearly enjoyed it. Physical from the beginning of the exchange and constantly involved around the edges, even if the flowers went to his partner in the engine room.
5. Emile van Heerde – 8.5
He conceded a couple of penalties, but made up for them with a magnificent lineout steal that set up a score that effectively ended the game. Going 71 meters as second row says it all.
6. We believe in eight – 8
Pierced holes in the Munster defense more than once. One huge 15-metre dive from the back of the maul stood out, while his carry remained consistently effective after half-time.
7. Manu Sweet – 7.5
He worked his butt all evening. Excellent on both sides of the ball, constantly turning in defensive collisions and carrying with intent whenever called upon.
8. Nick Hatton – 8
Played reasonable rugby in the conditions and then produced a key attacking moment. He used the space brilliantly after Van Heerden’s steal, galloping around 30 meters before setting up the platform for Van Zyl’s score.
Substitutions – 7
Ivan van Zyl provided the finishing touch in the decisive try. Cameron Dawson and Thomas du Toit helped maintain their dominance going forward, while Vincent Tshituka added extra energy. Esethu Mnebelele’s night was less smooth after he was penalized for waiting too long on the line, but together the bench helped see the Sharks home professionally.
