Mapimpi Celebrates 100th Sharks Cap In Demolition Of Munster
Springbok legend Makazole Mapimpi marked his 100th appearance for the Sharks in style as they thrashed Munster 45-0 at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium on Saturday.
The Sharks dominated in all facets of the game, shutting down every attacking effort from the Irish side as they strengthened their push for a top-eight finish and a place in the knockout stages.
Coached by J.P. Pietersen, the Sharks came into the clash on the back of two consecutive defeats, which had dented their momentum, but he was withdrawn through a calf strain suffered in training.
However, they responded emphatically on home soil, where they have been particularly strong this season—including a notable win over the Stormers.
The hosts ran in seven tries unanswered in a commanding display on a warm Durban afternoon. Mapimpi—famously the first Springbok to score a try in a Rugby World Cup final in 2019— got himself on the scoresheet with two tries in the dying minutes of a milestone victory to celebrate.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, who is set to rejoin the Stormers at the end of the season, should have marked his 50th appearance for the Sharks.
The Sharks were also without fullback Aphelele Fassi, who is sidelined for an expected two to three months following shoulder surgery after sustaining an injury against the Lions in Johannesburg.
The home side set the tone early, with Phepsi Buthelezi crossing for the opening try. Luan Giliomee added the second in the 27th minute, giving the Sharks a 12-0 lead at half-time.
Giliomee, a highly rated 19-year-old from Ceres in the Western Cape who earned a call-up to the Blitzboks in December, justified his selection with an impressive performance after being preferred in the starting lineup.
The Sharks extended their lead in the 51st minute when Phatu Ganyane powered over the line, with Jordan Hendrikse adding his second conversion.
Munster struggled to cope with the Sharks’ physicality and precision, appearing short of ideas as the match progressed. The pressure continued to mount, and Emile van Heerden added a fourth try in the 56th minute.
The dominance of the Sharks was further underlined by a powerful scrum near the tryline, driving Munster backwards with ease in a moment that epitomised their superiority.
Le Roux Malan thought he had sealed the emphatic victory with the fifth try, showing great skill to collect the ball in the air and ground it under pressure in the closing stages. However, Mapimpi scored two late tries to mark his big occasion.
It was a complete performance from the Sharks, capping a memorable day for Mapimpi as he reached a significant career milestone.
SCORES
Hollywoodbets Sharks 45 – Tries: Phepsi Buthelezi, Luan Gilliomee, Phatu Ganyane, Emile van Heerden, Le Roux Malan and Makazole Mapimpi 2; Conversions: Jordan Hendrikse 3 and Jean Smith 2.
Munster 0
