Super Sharks v Clermont: Masuku Makes A Statement In Great Escape

Siya Masuku did his Springbok ambitions the world of good as he kicked the Sharks to a thrilling 32-31 win over Clermont in their European Challenge Cup semi-final showdown at Twickenham Stoop on Saturday, writes Quintin van Jaarsveld.

The Durbanites’ defence let them down as they conceded three unanswered tries in the first half and trailed 31-18 on the hour mark before staging an epic comeback to snatch victory and book their place in the decider in the most dramatic of fashions.

Our top three Sharks standouts were:

Siya Masuku

Signed from the Cheetahs, Masuku was as clutch as can be, producing a goal-kicking masterclass as the Sharks pulled off a great escape.

In a showcase of nerveless temperament and trusty technique, the emerging flyhalf slotted kick after kick, including a mind-bending 50m effort and ice-cool match-winner from the left-hand touchline.

In slotting all eight of his shots at goal – six penalty goals and two conversions – the magnificent Masuku finished with a personal points tally of 22 and the Man of the Match award. He also likely got the attention of back-to-back World Cup-winning Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus.

Last year’s World Cup playoffs in France highlighted the importance of accurate goal-kicking at the highest level and Masuku’s steely sharpshooting at Twickenham Stoop would’ve bolstered his chances of earning a Bok call-up.

The 27-year-old has transformed the Sharks since taking over the reins from Curwin Bosch and though there were no magic touches this time around, he delivered where it matters most as the Sharks became the first South African side to reach a European final.

Eben Etzebeth

The hulking Etzebeth was a tower of strength, showing why he’s the leading lock in world rugby with a colossal complete performance.

The Springbok centurion was abrasive and worked harder than anyone else in a mightily impactful 80-minute effort. One of a precious few Sharks who won the gainline battle, he crashed into contact and pumped his legs to power his team onto the front foot, with a super surge down the right-hand touchline being among his joint-team-high 12 carries. Another highlight was his great fend and offload to unleash Vincent Tshituka.

Etzebeth’s work rate off the ball was extraordinary, from his crushing cleanouts to his tireless tackling and kick-chasing. This saw him earn two turnovers, the first with a big hit on Clermont captain Fritz Lee and the second when he sacked impressive scrumhalf Baptiste Jauneau. His endless endeavour extended to him winning a contestable kick that sparked Makazole Mapimpi’s all-important try.

Finally, his leadership also came to the fore and he stepped up to claim the crucial lineout at the death, which helped the Sharks eat up valuable seconds.

Makazole Mapimpi

Mapimpi was another Springbok who showed his class from start to finish.

The decorated winger did the hard yards for the most part, rushing strongly into contested areas, sitting down Jauneau with his explosive power and chasing high balls like a bat out of hell. He was commanding in the air and made good defensive reads, including grabbing an intercept in his 22 to defuse danger.

He was his dangerous self on the odd occasion where space opened up for him, setting off on a good break and chip-and-chase near the hour mark and showing his speed to run in the try that Masuku converted to ultimately win the game. All in all, he beat three defenders and made a team-high 108 metres from his eight carries.

Quintin van Jaarsveld

Quintin Van Jaarsveld is a former MDDA-Sanlam SA Local Sports Journalist of the Year and a former three-time Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal Sports Journalist of the Year. Formerly the sports editor and Outstanding Journalist of the Year award winner at The Fever Media Group, deputy editor at eHowzit, editor at SARugby.com and senior staff writer at Rugby365.com, he boasts over 15 years’ experience and is currently a freelance sports writer.