URC: Jurenzo Julius scores hat-trick as eight-try Sharks thrash Benetton

The Sharks ran in eight tries in a dominant display built on scrum supremacy and clinical finishing, with Edwill van der Merwe scoring twice while Siya Kolisi, Andre Esterhuizen and Litelihle Bester also crossed the line.

Benetton threatened early but wasted a clear overlap when Tommaso Menoncello's pass went astray.

The Sharks struck in the 12th minute after slick handling and a clever offload from Jaco Williams sent Van der Merwe over in the corner.

Julius then bulldozed through four defenders midway through the first half to extend the lead before Benetton hooker Bautista Bernasconi was sin-binned for a dangerous tackle on Vincent Koch.

The hosts immediately capitalised, with Kolisi crashing over from a rolling maul.

Benetton's problems deepened shortly before half-time when Jacob Umaga's yellow card for a high tackle on Makazole Mapimpi - who left the field on a medical cart - was upgraded to a 20-minute red card.

The Sharks took advantage as Van der Merwe crossed for his second try on the stroke of half-time to secure the bonus point and a 20-0 lead at the break despite four missed conversions.

Esterhuizen powered over early in the second half before Bradley Davids landed the Sharks' first successful conversion.

Julius then completed his hat-trick with two tries in quick succession, both created through sharp running lines and slick midfield interplay with Esterhuizen.

Cristiano Tizzano scored Benetton's only try late on, but replacement winger Bester had the final say after the siren to seal an emphatic Sharks victory.

The result also marked an encouraging first URC start at flyhalf for Zekhethelo Siyaya as the Sharks built momentum ahead of next week's clash with Zebre.

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