Sharks snuck past a tough Munster outfit on Saturday evening, the South African team taking the United Rugby Championship spoils in a penalty kick competition after young Ethan Hooker had delivered a stunning player of the match performance.
Here’s how we rated the players
Backs
15 Aphelele Fassi: The international full-back was a standout performer in a team full of talent. He was involved all around the park, topping his side’s carry count and, most importantly, scoring the all-important try that would give the Sharks a late lead at Kings Park. 7
14 Ethan Hooker: It was a simply terrific display from the young winger, as he made yet another statement performance. His first major involvement in the match was to clean up the ball on his own tryline before stepping four players. Despite a miss-kick on the halfway line, his threat was clear to see. Later, he would score a wonderful try, collecting the ball just inside the Munster half, before running 50 metres to convert. Surely nailed on for an international call up in the not too distant future. 8
13 Lukhanyo Am: Part of a very strong back line, Am did what was required with no fuss. His best days, physically, are arguably behind him, but his canyon of experience still carries him through. 6
12 Andre Esterhuizen: The former Harlequins man was a part of everything good for the Sharks, using his giant frame to poke Esterhuizen sized holes in the Munster defence. His creative relationship with Jordan Hendrikse proved to be a vital part the Sharks attack. 8
11 Makazole Mapimpi: A performance of old from the veteran Springbok. He made powerful charges through the Munster defence all evening long, almost scoring on a couple of occasions before being brought down. Had a nightmare slip after half-time, however, gifting Munster a try. 6
Half-backs
10 Jordan Hendrikse: An exciting, attacking fly-half, it’s never a quiet game with this man at the helm. This quarter-final proved no different, with the talented 10 using his soft hand and creative eyesight to pick apart the Munster defence. Found wanting in the tackle area a couple of times, but will be pleased on the balance of things. 6
9 Jaden Hendrikse: Not a great day for the scrum-half. He looked dazed throughout much of the match and made many decisions that, on review, he may regret, including one rather unforgivable intercepted pass on the Munster five-metre line. Also involved in some alleged gamesmanship at the death during Jack Crowley’s kick at goal. 3
Forwards
8 Siya Kolisi: A poor showing from the double-winning World Cup captain. There’s plenty to celebrate in the life of Siya Kolisi, but this match was not one of them. On two occasions, Kolisi was at fault for his team not scoring. One, a poor final pass which failed to hit Hooker on the wing and, later, an obvious knock-on in the effort of scoring. 4
7 Vincent Tshituka: The big flanker will remember with fondness two huge double tackles, and a brilliant offload to assist Hooker’s try. What he won’t like to look back upon will be the two turnovers he was guilty of losing. All in all, however, a good day at the office. 7
6 James Venter: In a team full of superstars, an ordinary performance can often be looked down upon, and that’s what’s happened here. Venter put in a shift, did what he needed to, and got out. Made his carries, hit his tackles and worked around the ruck, no more no less. 5
5 Jason Jenkins: The former Leinster lock survived just 12 minutes before he was removed from the field with injury. 5
4 Eben Etzebeth: A mammoth shift. A notable huge hit on Jack Crowley into touch in the first half, and his game just continued in the same vein. His carry and tackle rates were up there with the very highest, he topped the charts for turnovers won, and the Sharks set-piece success rates were almost perfect. A trademark performance from the Springbok star. 8
3 Vincent Koch: He dominated in the scrum and provided a solid base in the tackle area. Really led from the front. 6
2 Bongi Mbonambi: Hands of a scrum-half, speed of a winger and strength of a prop. Well… that’s how it appeared anyway. Mbonambi was on fine form, providing some slick handling to help break open the Munster defence, whilst also using his sizeable frame to keep the opposition on their toes. Set piece-wise he was almost perfect. 8
1 Ox Nche: Like his prop partner, Nche made the scrum his own while making all important tackles in open play. Was seen to get his hands on the ball a lot more, providing an important attacking truck. 7
Replacements: It was Bradley Davids that would come on to score the winning kick in the eventual penalty shootout. 9
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Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/sharks-player-ratings-nailed-on-springbok-winger-scores-all-important-try-as-penalty-takers-keep-their-cool
