Discipline woes raise questions but sublime Sharks sink Exeter Chiefs in Champions Cup opener

Lunga Biyela

The Sharks and their Springboks flexed their muscles to earn a convincing 36-14 win over Exeter Chiefs in their EPCR Champions Cup opener at Kings Park Stadium in Durban on Saturday afternoon.

However, Sharks coach John Plumtree will not be happy with his team's discipline as they were down to 12 men at one point after three players had been sent to the sin bin.

On a warm Durban afternoon, the Sharks showed their teeth as they bossed their opponents, who at times looked star-studded during the encounter at the Shark Tank.

After the team from England went in front through a try from Dan Frost in the 13th minute, the home team clicked into gear and it started raining tries. Some of them were absolutely sublime.

In the number 15 jersey, Aphelele Fassi had a very influential game, and set up a number of tries with his silky running. Before the break, the Sharks had crossed the try line four times through Springboks Phepsi Buthelezi, Makazole Mapimpi, Grant Williams and Siya Kolisi.

A special message from the Investec player of the match 🤳#InvestecChampionsCup #SHAvEXE pic.twitter.com/FhgDdXKJ8g

— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) December 7, 2024

Kolisi, playing at eighthman, scored his second, and the Sharks' fifth try soon after the break. It looked like the home team were running away with the game, but like in last weekend's United Rugby Championship game against the Stormers, they were at times their own worst enemies.

In a crazy four-minute period, the Sharks found themselves down to 12 men when captain Eben Etzebeth, lock partner Emile van Heerden and Eduan Keyter were sent to the sin bin.

The Sharks, though, were able to hold on until the end and sealed a convincing win to begin their Champions Cup campaign well. Next week, they head to England to take on Handre Pollard's Leicester Tigers.

Point-scorers

Sharks — 36: Tries: Siya Kolisi (2), Phepsi Buthelezi, Makazole Mapimpi, Grant Williams; Conversions: Hendrikse (4); Penalties: Hendrikse (2); Yellow cards: Eben Etzebeth, Emile van Heerden, Eduan Keyter

Exeter Chiefs — 14: Tries: Dan Frost (2), Immanuel Feyi-Waboso; Conversions: Josh Hodge (3); Yellow cards: Greg Fisilau, Will Rigg