Fassi’s Boot Seals Sharks Victory Over Scarlets In URC Clash

Aphelele Fassi’s flawless kicking, scoring three penalties, guided the Hollywoodbets Sharks to a hard-fought 12-3 victory over Scarlets in a low-scoring Vodacom United Rugby Championship encounter at Kings Park Stadium on Saturday.

Penalties proved to be the only points for the Sharks as Scarlets’ discipline ultimately cost them in a game where clear try-scoring opportunities were scarce for both sides.

Having already secured their place in the competition’s quarter-finals – a marked improvement from the previous season – the Sharks arguably lacked their usual intensity.

A poignant moment preceded the match in Durban as the Sharks players paid tribute to former Springbok Cornal Hendricks, who tragically passed away earlier in the week, by wearing jerseys with his name during the warm-up. Hendricks, a versatile player who represented the Springboks in 12 Tests and the Blitzboks, winning a Commonwealth gold medal, was also a Rugby World Cup Sevens player.

The game began as a tight physical battle, with neither team giving an inch.

Scarlets looked dangerous in the 29th minute when Archie Hughes made a break, but a superb covering tackle from Springbok winger Makazole Mapimpi denied him a try. The subsequent offload was intercepted by Vincent Tshikuka, preventing further trouble.

The scoreboard finally ticked over in the 39th minute when Sharks flyhalf Siya Masuku opted for a penalty, giving his side the lead after an earlier unsuccessful lineout attempt from a kickable penalty.

However, Scarlets responded immediately, with Sam Costelow slotting a drop goal on the stroke of halftime to level the score.

After Masuku’s departure, Aphelele Fassi took over the kicking duties and slotted his first penalty in the 53rd minute, putting the Sharks back in front at 6-3.

The arm-wrestle continued in the middle of the park, with both teams struggling to gain a territorial or possession advantage.

The Sharks managed to keep Scarlets at bay, and in the 70th minute, Fassi added another three points from the kicking tee.

With just minutes remaining, the Sharks were awarded another penalty close to the Scarlets’ try line for a breakdown infringement. Fassi coolly slotted his third penalty, sealing the 12-3 victory for the home side, which proved to be the final play of the match.