Sharks youngsters, old head Kolisi steal the show in URC win over Zebre

It was perhaps a glimpse of the future in Durban on Saturday as the Sharks, driven by several youngsters and a certain older campaigner in Siya Kolisi, proved far too strong for Zebre in their United Rugby Championship clash, running away with a 54-19 win.

The Sharks took a little while to get going, but the home side opened the scoring in the 14th minute when Jaco Williams collected a pass from Nick Hatton and somehow dotted down for an unconverted try in the right-hand corner, despite the attention of three defenders, for a 5-0 lead.

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Zebre hit back in the 19th minute as they took a 7-5 lead following a quick transitional attack that put Malik Faissal in space. He managed to beat the Sharks' cover defence to score under the poles, with Giovanni Montemauri adding the extras.

The Shark Tank crowd were in ecstasy a few minutes later when the departing Kolisi, who was playing his last game for the franchise, cruised over the line after a trick lineout play that went short, with Ox Nche finding the Springbok skipper on the inside.

Siya Kolisi wants to sign off from the Sharks in style 😮‍💨🦈

📺 Stream #VURC on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/55OBXfMA26

Vusi Moyo converted as the Sharks led 12-7 in the 26th minute.

Those shouts of joy were even louder in the 29th minute when the new wonderkid in South African rugby, Zekhethelo Siyaya, noticed a mismatch in midfield and side-stepped his way to glory for a brilliant individual score.

The Sharks fullback steps his way past the defenders ⚡

📺 Stream #VURC on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/T1pVdWBhnP

Moyo had no problem adding the extras for a 19-7 lead.

The Sharks took a 26-7 lead into half-time when Kolisi scored his second on the stroke of half-time following an excellent rolling maul.

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The Sharks added further tries in the second half through Moyo, Emmanuel Tshituka, Le Roux Malan, and Ross Braude as they continued their domination.

Zebre scored consolation tries through Simone Gesi and Giovanni Quattrini.

What did you make of the game, and how impressed were you with the Sharks’ youngsters?

Tries: Jaco Williams, Siya Kolisi (2), Zekhethelo Siyaya, Vusi Moyo, Emmanuel Tshituka, Le Roux Malan, Ross BraudeConversions: Vusi Moyo (5), Jean Smith (2)

Tries: Malik Faissal, Simone Gesi, Giovanni QuattriniConversions: Giovanni Montemauri (2)