Player Ratings: Sharks

OPINION: The Sharks’ United Rugby Championship campaign came to a bitter end when they suffered a 13–25 defeat to the Bulls in the semifinal at Loftus Versfeld.

The Sharks headed into the fixture without Eben Etzebeth, which proved to be a massive loss for the Durban-based franchise.

They were dominated by the Bulls’ pack, whilst last week’s 100 minutes, followed by the famous penalty shootout, could also be another contributing factor.

Their kicking, which got them into the semifinal, was also one of their downfalls.

Here is how the Sharks rated:

15. Aphelele Fassi 
The fullback was one of the better Sharks players in the backline. He made a line break, 13 carries and held his own when it came to the high ball. Produced a moment of magic with his up-and-under and a huge tackle on Ruan Nortje in the second half.
7/10

14. Ethan Hooker
He is one exciting talent to keep an eye on and was a threat with the ball. The wing could’ve had the first try of the match after his timely intercept. However, it was chalked off due to the team being offside. He finally got his name on the scoreboard when he beat Sebastian de Klerk before diving over for the Sharks’ second try. Just impressive workrate.
7/10

13. Lukhanyo Am
The double World Cup winner was a frustrating figure, with unforced errors eclipsing his talent. The centre, who is usually an impressive defender, was caught in no man’s land and beaten by Sebastian de Klerk’s fancy footwork, which led to the Bulls’ first try. The Sharks really needed him to ignite their attack, but he could not deliver.
4/10

12. Andre Esterhuizen
The Springbok showed glimpses of his capabilities with some strong carries, but overall, it was not his best performance. Nonetheless, he produced a much better second half and showed more of his physicality, including an offload.
5/10

11. Makazole Mapimpi
The Springbok was one of the standouts for his team. He was constantly looking for work, taking the initiative and making solid runs.  He also boasts 15 carries. Had a couple of moments of magic, including the Sharks’ first try of the match.
8.5/10

10. Jordan Hendrikse
It was a mixed bag for the flyhalf, but overall, a display he will want to forget. He failed to dictate the match and missed three crucial kicks (two penalties and a conversion) before relinquishing the kicking duties to his brother, Jaden Hendrikse.
4/10

9. Jaden Hendrikse
The Bulls piled the pressure on the No.9, and his horrendous slip when trying to clear from his own 22 resulted in the Bulls’ second try. He also missed a conversion that could have taken the match to 15-all.
5/10

8. Siya Kolisi (captain)
A very quiet showing from the captain – certainly not his usual self. He did not make an impact. He tried to work his way into the second half but struggled. His tackle on Embrose Papier in the 24th minute was probably one of his only highlights.
5/10

7. Vincent Tshituka
The best forward for the Sharks on the field and one of the contenders for Man of the Match. His work rate was incredible, and he was often at the heart of the Sharks’ attack. He put the Bulls’ line-out under pressure and also managed a few breakdown steals.
8/10

6. James Venter
He got into the thick of things in the second half, but fatigue overshadowed his play in the first. Nonetheless, he completed nine tackles — the most by any player in the Sharks team.
6.5/10

5. Emile van Heerden
It was a big task for the young lock, who was part of a tight five that was dominated by the Bulls. However, he was a solid jumper with five line-outs, made eight carries, and completed a handful of tackles.
6.5/10

4. Corne Rahl
The young lock had big shoes to fill in the absence of Eben Etzebeth due to a concussion. He did the basics right before being replaced by Manu Tshituka at the break.
5/10

3. Vincent Koch
There was a lack of physicality from the Springbok. He certainly tried his best in defence but had a tough day at the office, as he was also part of a front row that really struggled at scrum time.
4.5/10

2. Bongi Mbonambi
Found his jumpers with his line-out throws, but his scrummaging was a major blemish.
5.5/10

1. Ox Nche
The battle between the No.1 at the Sharks and the Bulls’ Wilco Louw was highly anticipated. On this occasion, the bragging rights went to the man in blue. Nche was overpowered on a couple of occasions at scrum time by Louw, and the big Ox was held up just before half-time. Nonetheless, his open play was good — he made 11 carries and played a key role in Mapimpi’s try.
6/10

Replacements:

16. Fez Mbatha (on for Mbonambi, 54)
His line-out throw was stolen, which said more about the team’s performance than his own. He was more solid when it came to scrums.
6/10

17. Ntuthuko Mchunu (on for Nche, 53)
Literally came onto the field and suffered a nasty blow after Am landed on his leg. However, he remained on the field. Conceded a penalty, which saw the Bulls extend their lead to 18-13 at one point.
6/10

18. Hanro Jacobs (on for Koch, 53)
He was part of the good scrummaging unit.
6/10

19. Deon Slabbert (on for Van Heerden, 54)
The second-rower completed a few tackles but joined a pack that was on the back foot.
5/10

20. Phepsi Buthelezi (on for Kolisi, 54)
Made his carries, hit his tackles, and worked around the ruck—no more, no less.
5/10

21. Manu Tshituka (on at the 40th minute)
Immediately made an impact in the second half, making an early steal and winning a penalty. He made six carries, a line break, and completed five tackles.
7/10

22. Bradley Davids (on for Jaden Hendrikse, 65)
Not enough time to be rated.

23. Yaw Penxe
N/A