Leinster v Sharks: Stars and flops of the URC quarterfinal

The Sharks were hoping for a famous upset but instead produced a flat performance as they were easily brushed aside 35-5 in their URC quarterfinal clash against Irish powerhouse Leinster at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday night.

The visitors got off to a fast start, shocking the hosts with an early try, but Leinster soon took control of the game and pulled away for an easy win in the end.

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It has been a very disappointing season for the Sharks, finishing eighth on the log, missing out on Champions Cup qualification and now losing in the quarterfinals and they will hope for a good preseason under new coach John Plumtree to get them back on top next season.

Stars

Grant Williams

The constantly impressing scrumhalf has made a late play for inclusion in the Springbok squad for this year’s World Cup. Often stuck behind fellow Bok Jaden Hendrikse on the pecking order, his injury has allowed Williams to shine over the past few weeks. He was again the Sharks best performer in their quarterfinal loss, scoring a scintillating early try and then assisting another which was unfortunately chalked off. In all it was a top showing from Williams and he has done all he can to be considered for the showpiece event.

Ox Nche

The Sharks number one put in a powerful performance in a strong overall showing from the Sharks pack over the first three quarters of the match. Nche along with Bongani Mbonambi, Thomas du Toit and Carlu Sadie who came on early for du Toit, kept the Sharks pack on top during the first 60 minutes. Nche was however impressive across the park, with some strong runs and good tackles helping him produce a top all-round showing in the end.

Flops

Aphelele Fassi

The Springbok hopeful and Sharks fullback had a dreadful game, probably ending any hopes he had of being included in the World Cup squad. It was Fassi’s poor defence which was again exposed as he missed numerous tackles as the last line of defence. He was also anonymous on attack in what was a truly underwhelming performance and he will have to work very hard in the off season to try and work his way back to being the player that many people had high hopes of.

Boeta Chamberlain

The Sharks flyhalf constantly blows hot and cold and unfortunately for him he blew very cold in their biggest game of the campaign. He has enjoyed recent success playing at fullback, but had to step back into the pivot role after the injury to Curwin Bosch. It was then a poor showing from Chamberlain with him flat on attack and defence, while he also missed two shots at goal in a big game in which he needed to nail his kicks.

Makazole Mapimpi and James Venter

Both players produced average performances, but it was their yellow cards that made big impacts in the game. Mapimpi’s came with the Sharks in an early 5-0 lead and playing well, but with him off the field Leinster ran in two tries and took charge of the match. Venter’s came with the game all but over in the 73^rd minute, but his card saw a Sharks try overturned and instead of them maybe losing by a respectable 28-12 scoreline, they instead went down 35-5 in the end.