Sharks end URC season in fine style with eight-try victory over Zebre

Having already fallen out of playoff contention before the final round, the Durban side produced another dominant attacking display after last week's big win over Benetton, running in eight tries against the Italians at Kings Park.

The Sharks started brightly and opened the scoring through Jaco Williams after a slick attacking movement involving Nick Hatton. Although Vusi Moyo missed the conversion, the hosts continued to dominate territory and possession early on.

Zebre briefly threatened to upset the hosts when Malik Faissal crossed following sharp footwork, but that advantage did not last long.

Siya Kolisi - playing his final game in Durban - led from the front with a powerful display and scored twice before half-time, first bursting through a gap off a well-timed Ox Nche pass before later crashing over from a maul after the hooter. 

Zekhethelo Siyaya also added a superb solo effort, stepping his way through the defence as the Sharks pulled clear.

The second half followed a similar pattern as the Sharks' physicality and attacking intent overwhelmed the visitors.

Moyo capped a free-flowing move to score shortly after the restart before Manu Tshituka powered over following sustained pressure close to the line.

Andre Esterhuizen was at the heart of much of the Sharks' best attacking play, helping to create tries for Le Roux Malan and Ross Braude in quick succession as the hosts pushed beyond the 50-point mark.

Zebre managed late consolation tries through Simone Gesi and Giovanni Quatrini, but the result was never in doubt as the Sharks comfortably controlled proceedings.

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