The Sharks delivered a lackluster performance but managed to secure a narrow 35-34 victory against a determined Zebre Parma in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship at Kings Park Stadium on Saturday.

Despite numerous aspects of their game faltering, the Sharks benefited from a stroke of luck as Zebre staged a fierce comeback in Durban.

This win propels the Sharks to third place in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship standings, bolstering their chances of reaching the knockout stages. However, they’ll need a significant improvement ahead of next weekend’s clash against the formidable Leinster.

Siya Kolisi ignited the Sharks’ scoring in the fourth minute, crashing over the line after a pick-and-drive. Jordan Hendrikse converted to give the home side an early seven-point lead.

Jurenzo Julius, recently named Young Player of the Year at the SA Rugby Awards, added to the tally in the 12th minute. Makazole Mapimpi broke free from Ox Nche’s offload, and Julius was on hand to receive the final pass and score.

Zebre, however, refused to relent. They built several phases, and Alessandro Gesi’s crossfield kick allowed Giovanni Montemauri to score in the 15th minute, breaching the Sharks’ defense.

The opening exchanges were frantic in the warm Durban afternoon.

The Sharks’ game became increasingly loose, allowing Zebre to gain territory. The Italian side leveled the score at 14-14 in the 22nd minute when Giacomo Ferrari crashed over.

Zebre continued to apply pressure, forcing Mapimpi to receive a yellow card for intentionally kicking the ball away from a ruck. Montemauri converted the resulting penalty, giving Zebre a 14-17 lead.

The Sharks responded with a well-executed lineout maul, and Kolisi, lurking on the blindside, sprinted away to score his second try in the 32nd minute, regaining the lead.

This marked Kolisi’s second consecutive match at Kings Park Stadium with two tries, following his performance against the Emirates Lions two weeks prior. He has excelled since transitioning to the number eight position.

Vincent Koch extended the Sharks’ lead before halftime, scoring from a pick-and-drive. Hendrikse’s conversion gave the Sharks a 28-17 advantage, achieved despite being a man down.

Zebre’s Thomas Dominguez squandered a golden opportunity just before the halftime whistle, failing to handle Gesi’s pass after slicing through the Sharks’ defense.

Zebre began the second half with renewed vigor.

After a Sharks attack through Yaw Penxe broke down, Zebre countered, and Geronimo Prisciantelli outpaced Hendrikse to score.

Prisciantelli then scored his second try, capitalizing on a disorganized Sharks defense, to give Zebre a 31-28 lead.

The Sharks suffered another setback when fullback Henry Immelman was forced off with an injury.

Coach John Plumtree introduced fresh legs, replacing Nche and Bongi Mbonambi in the front row.

The game became fragmented, with Zebre defending resolutely in their own territory as the Sharks sought a fifth try.

The breakthrough finally came in the 74th minute when Ethan Hooker, left unmarked on the right wing, scored after the ball was switched to the right. Hendrikse’s conversion secured the Sharks’ narrow victory.

Pic courtesy of Steve Haag Sports