Sharks overpower Clermont in dominant Durban display

Sharks 50-12 Clermont, Hollywoodbets Kings Park

The Sharks delivered their most emphatic performance of the season as they swept aside Clermont Auvergne 50-12 in Durban, producing a ruthless second-half display to secure a commanding Investec Champions Cup victory.

The hosts made an assertive start, pinning Clermont back early through territorial pressure. From a penalty kicked to touch, the Sharks drove deep into the French side’s 22 before Aphelele Fassi reacted quickest to a high kick from Jaden Hendrikse to score the opening try.

Clermont were soon reduced to 14 men when Yerrim Fall was shown a 20-minute red card following a TMO review for a dangerous aerial challenge on Yaw Penxe.

Despite the setback, the visitors responded well and levelled the contest through Joris Jurand, who finished after chasing a precise kick, though the conversion drifted wide making it 7-5.

The Sharks regained control when Jaden Hendrikse sniped around a driving maul from a lineout, with Jordan Hendrikse converting. Clermont continued to apply pressure and capitalised on loose possession as Kylan Hamdaoui raced under the posts as the teams completed the opening half with a 14-12 scoreline.

The hosts emerged with renewed focus after the interval and spent extended periods camped inside Clermont territory. A yellow card for Matheo Frisach opened the door, and replacement prop Vincent Koch powered over from close range, with Hendrikse extending the lead to 21-12.

The Sharks then secured the bonus point as Phiko Sobahle showed electric pace down the touchline to score making it 28-12.

With Lucas Zamora sin-binned, Fassi crossed for his second try after a quick tap, before Siya Masuku finished strong support play following a powerful carry from Emmanuel Tshituka.

Late tries from Phepsi Buthelezi and Jurenzo Julius completed a dominant 50-12 win, lifting the Sharks into third place in their pool.