Match Report – Gloucester 22 – 36 Sharks

Phepsi Buthelezi, Aphelele Fassi and Makazole Mapimpi scored tries, whereas Siya Masuku kicked three conversions and 5 penalties as South Africa’s Sharks defeated Gloucester 36-22 within the 2024 European Problem Cup last at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Gloucester’s goal of ending a combined season with a second piece of silverware was ended with a 36-22 defeat by the Sharks within the Problem Cup last.

Other than a dominant opening 10 minutes and vigorous end, George Skivington’s aspect have been conclusively outplayed in entrance of a 34,761 crowd at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Gloucester had lifted the Premiership Rugby Cup earlier this season and – after enduring a club-record 9 successive Gallagher Premiership losses – Skivington selected to concentrate on Europe on the expense of the league.

That led to a weakened sided being fielded in opposition to Northampton earlier this month and a 90-0 demolition adopted with Skivington hoping the juggling of enjoying sources would pay dividends.

However as a substitute Gloucester have been effectively overwhelmed with late tries by Santiago Socino and Freddie Clarke giving the ultimate scoreline a kinder sheen as Jonny Might’s farewell match failed to supply a scripted ending.

The Sharks are the primary South African aspect to win a European competitors and the foundations for his or her victory have been laid by the ‘Bomb Squad’ front-row mixture of Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi and Vincent Koch.

Though they went on to dominate, they spent the opening 10 minutes defending their line with centre Chris Harris going closest to drawing first blood solely to fall inches quick with an outstretched hand.

Aphelele Fassi was despatched to the sin-bin for offside because the South African aspect started to buckle however as soon as the storm had been weathered, they superior downfield and have been off the mark by means of a Siya Masuku penalty.

A monster kick by scrum-half Caolan Englefield noticed Gloucester draw degree, however having matched the Sharks within the physicality stakes, they then waved by means of No 8 Phepsi Buthelezi for a delicate attempt.

Over went two extra penalties from Masuku as his aspect took to squeezing their opponents and taking the factors after they grew to become accessible.

Siya Masuku kicked fantastically off the tee for South Africa’s Sharks, touchdown three conversions and 5 penalties

A dominant scrum early within the second half gave Gloucester hope they may flip the tide however then as they seemed to construct strain, Zach Mercer gave an intercept move to Grant Williams to place the Sharks again on the offensive.

Williams’ break was the prelude to a different spell of Sharks ascendency that was underscored by three extra penalties and a attempt from Fassi that was the product of fluid assault.

Gloucester hit again with a maul attempt completed by Albert Tuisue however their failure to cope with a kick opened the door for Makazole Mapimpi to collect a pinpoint Masuku chip and contact down.

Late tries from Socino and Clarke gave the English membership scoreboard respectability, nevertheless it had been a disappointing night time.