Debutant Luan Giliomee produced a performance to remember as the Sharks put Munster to the sword in Durban on Saturday.
The hosts scored seven tries in a 45-0 victory that keeps their Vodacom URC playoff hopes alive. Giliomee crossed the line in the first half, while Sharks centurion Makazole Mapimpi celebrated his milestone with a late double.
Coach JP Pietersen’s men came out firing at Kings Park, bringing intensity from the first whistle as they looked to stamp their authority on the clash.
That early pressure paid off when loose forward Phepsi Buthelezi –shifted from No 8 to flank as a late replacement for Siya Kolisi – crashed over to open the scoring. Flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse added the extras.
Munster showed flashes of attacking intent, but their momentum was repeatedly halted by handling errors in the slippery conditions.
The Sharks continued to dictate the tempo, although errors began to creep into their own game as Munster’s defence held firm.
The hosts struck again in the 27th minute when Giliomee dotted down near the left touchline to extend the lead. Hendrikse was unable to convert, but the Sharks still took a 12-0 advantage into the break as the rain intensified.
Luan Giliomee has a @SharksRugby try on debut
@Vodacom #URC | #SHAvMUN pic.twitter.com/ZVKSj8UH3C
— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) March 21, 2026
The third quarter proved cagey, with both sides battling for control, but the Sharks eventually broke through.
Just after the 50-minute mark – sparked by a superb Giliomee 50:22 – the forwards took charge, stringing together phases before loosehead prop Phatu Ganyane powered over. Hendrikse added the extras to stretch the lead to 19.
Imagine being this good at just 19-years-old
@Vodacom #URC | #SHAvMUN pic.twitter.com/HkXECfdvz8
— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) March 21, 2026
Eight minutes later, lock Emile van Heerden ran a superb line to latch onto a pass from Grant Williams for the bonus-point try, putting the result beyond doubt.
This try had a little bit of everything
The Hollywoodbets Sharks have their bonus point
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— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) March 21, 2026
But the hosts weren’t done yet. Centre Le Roux Malan first collected a clever dink over the top from replacement scrumhalf Bradley Davids, then Mapimpi took advantage of a loose pass, kicked ahead and dotted down to celebrate his 100th match in style.
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After the hooter, Mapimpi out-sprinted the Munster defence to hand the 2022-23 champions hiding.
The Sharks next host Cardiff on Friday night.
SHARKS – Tries: Phepsi Buthelezi, Luan Giliomee, Phatu Ganyane, Emile van Heerden, Le Roux Malan, Makazole Mapimpi (2). Conversions: Jordan Hendrikse (3), Jean Smith (2).
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
The post Giliomee dazzles on debut as Sharks smash Munster appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Debutant Luan Giliomee put in a memorable performance as the Sharks put Munster to the sword in Durban on Saturday.
The post Giliomee dazzles on debut as Sharks smash Munster appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
