MATCH REPORT: The Sharks paid the worth for sending an inferior squad to France.
A strong Lyon Olympique Universitaire aspect despatched the South African guests packing, reserving their place within the Problem Cup quarterfinals with a complete 34-21 drubbing at Matmut Stadium de Gerland, in Lyon, on Sunday.
The end result means the 2022 champions, Lyon, march on within the competitors, whereas 2024’s winners crash out.
* To recap the drama, CLICK HERE!
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The expertise and physicality of the French workforce made it appear as if a contest between males and boys – the Sharks fielding quite a lot of very younger and inexperienced gamers.
They could take a look at some moments and two tries within the closing 10 minutes, however by then Lyon had already cleared their bench and the sport was lengthy over as a contest.
Aside from their naivety on assault, the South African guests had been undone by a big variety of turnovers (25) and missed tackles (34).
The largest culprits had been Hakeem Kunene, Yaw Penxe, Litelihle Bester, Francois Venter and Siya Masuku (turnovers), together with Penxe, Nick Hatton, Corne Rahl, Masuku, Litelihle Bester and Andre Esterhuizen the worst defenders.
It was an electrical begin for the guests in Lyon, Fez Mbatha scoring within the opening 5 minutes to provide the Sharks an early lead.
Nevertheless, it wasn’t lengthy earlier than Lyon Olympique Universitaire discovered their approach again into it via Alexandre Tchaptchet which, along with a Theo William cross three minutes later, secured the hosts an eight level lead.
It was a lead that stored on rising for the hosts as Yanis Charcosset and Josiah Maraku went over for 2 extra scores earlier than half-time.
The defending champions had all of it left to do at half-time – trailing 7-27.
A slower begin to proceedings was how the second half began, with each Lyon and the Sharks exchanging features.
The house aspect had been ultimately those to go over first within the second interval although, when Vincent Rattez’ cross put but extra distance between the 2 sides.
The South African guests did get two consolations again late on via Corne Rahl and Tino Mavesere, however with the second coming within the final minute, nothing could possibly be achieved to scale back the deficit.
The scorers
For Lyon
Tries: Tchaptchet, William, Charcosset, Maraku, Rattez
Cons: Berdeu 2, Meliande
Pen: Berdeu
For the Sharks
Tries: Mbatha, Rahl, Mavesere
Cons: Masuku, Smith
Groups
Lyon Olympique Universitaire: 15 Alexandre Tchaptchet, 14 Vincent Rattez, 13 Josiah Maraku, 12 Theo Millet, 11 Monty Ioane, 10 Léo Berdeu, 9 Baptiste Couilloud, 8 Arno Botha (captain), 7 Liam Allen, 6 Dylan Cretin, 5 Mickael Guillard, 4 Theo William, 3 Irakli Aptsiauri, 2 Yanis Charcosset, 1 Hamza Kaabeche.
Replacements: 16 Camille Chat, 17 Jérôme Rey, 18 Valentin Simutoga, 19 Killian Geraci, 20 Maxime Gouzou, 21 Charlie Cassang, 22 Martin Meliande, 23 Alfred Parisien.
Sharks: 15 Hakeem Kunene, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Litelihle Bester, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Bradley Davids, 8 Nick Hatton (captain), 7 Jannes Potgieter, 6 Tino Mavesere, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Replacements: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Mawande Madande, 19 Emile van Heerden, 20 Bathobelo Hlakane, 21 Tiaan Fourie, 22 Jean Smith, 23 Jurenzo Julius.
Referee: Federico Vedovelli (Italy)
Assistant referees: Clara Munarini (Italy) & Luca Bisetto (Italy)
TMO: Aled Griffiths (Wales)
* Supply: @ChallengeCup_
