The South African side have only been competing in European club rugby for two seasons, but their first trophy has already been tucked away. If it’s not quite on par with last year’s Springbok side that won the World Cup, it’s still a piece of history that can strengthen the current balance of power at the Oval.
Not for the first time either, this was a match that was contested by a superb South African team for a decisive decision. The destructive ‘bomb squad’ front row, who had made such a strong reputation for themselves at Test level, were key once again, with Phepsi Buthelezi, Aphelele Fassi and Makazo Mapimpi all getting tries, while fly-half Siya Masuku scored 21 reached an agreement.
Ultimately, this resulted in another frustrating experience for the Cherries and Whites, who were unable to establish any consistent platform and could conceivably cause some problems with their speedy backs. At least they weren’t hiding at 90-0 this time, but their difficult domestic season didn’t get a happy ending on a balmy night at Tottenham Hotspur’s state-of-the-art stadium.
It’s a completely different world to the Sheds, with Gloucester boasting a slightly more modest edge over Kingsholm and a Sharks front five that includes four Springbok World Cup-winning players in Ox Nché, Bongi Mbonambi, Vincent Koch and Eben Etzebeth. Also still significantly above average. “The front row dominates some of the best scrums in world rugby,” admitted their director of rugby George Skivington. “Once they got dominant there, it became very difficult. They ended up squeezing us because they were doing so well.
Gloucester knew they needed to score early but could not find any despite some crazy initial pressure. Chris Harris’s try from the stretch was denied as Etzebeth’s knee knocked the ball inches from the line and, despite full-back Fassi’s foul, the Sharks Masuku’s penalty kick took the lead.
It took a powerful long-range strike from red-haired half-back Caolan Englefield to get them back level, but the first try of the game came through Sharks through the agile No. 8 Buthelezi. Obtained by lightning bursts. Masuku’s goal and second penalty extended the score to 13-3, and Gloucester faced a tough challenge.
The conservative Koch even had an impactful night in his main role as he won 50-22. The game’s first four scrums all resulted in penalties against Gloucester, and despite the occasional breaking of the ball at lineout, the 13-point half-time lead reflected how quickly the game was passing.
Gloucester needed inspiration from somewhere and Zach Mercer was tightly policed and rarely able to roam freely within the wider pipeline. Englefield was a player with a growing reputation and Adam Hastings did his best to make things happen, but the Sharks’ set-piece dominance combined with passionate defending made life increasingly awkward.
Despite a complete reshuffle at Gloucester’s front row, things didn’t get any better. First, Fassi ended a long spell of pressure by diving between the posts, before a fine cross-kick found Mapipi lurking on the left and put the result beyond doubt.
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Gloucester eventually got on the scoresheet with tries from substitutes Albert Tuisu and Santiago Socino and rusher Freddy Clark, but even the staunchest Gloucester supporter knew there was no realistic chance Backtracking, especially when Stephen Varney had a potential try ruled out for offside. Despite all the logistical issues and long flights, here’s further compelling evidence that South Africa will be hard-pressed to get out of trouble when the big knockout games come.
And, whether their opponents like it or not, South Africa look destined to remain part of the European club scene “for the foreseeable future”, according to tournament officials.
EPCR chairman Dominic McKay also insisted talks are continuing over a new TV deal for next season’s Champions League, dismissing concerns that an offer might be unacceptable.
