Springbok captain Siya Kolisi ended his rugby chapter at the Sharks with a bang against Zebre onj Saturday, scoring a brace in the dominant victory.
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Siya Kolisi left Sharks fans with the perfect parting gift at Kings Park on a sunny Saturday afternoon in Durban, with the veteran loose forward producing a vintage display capped by a first-half brace of tries in a 54–19 victory over Zebre Parma in their final United Rugby Chmapionship match of the season.
The Bok skipper sparked the home side into life with a lung-busting 50-metre surge after a cagey, error-strewn opening threatened to put a damper on his farewell appearance.
Kolisi was hauled in just short of the line, but the touch paper had been lit and the Sharks suddenly looked a different side on attack, carrying with far greater purpose under the inspirational leadership of skipper Andre Esterhuizen.
With the Zebre defence stretched, winger Jaco Williams crossed in the far right corner in the 14th minute to hand the hosts a deserved 5–0 lead. But a defensive lapse allowed the visitors to hit back through a well-worked try by Malik Faissal in the 20th minute.
Where earlier Sharks sides this season may have allowed the match to drift, Kolisi responded emphatically — powering over from a line-out maul five minutes later to restore the lead. Debutant flyhalf Vusi Moyo added the extras to make it 12–7.
Home supporters were then treated to a stunning debut try by teenage full-back Zekhetelo Siyaya, whose brilliant sidestep carved open the Zebre defence after slick handling from prop Ox Nche in the build-up.
Kolisi struck again from another powerful line-out drive just before half-time as the Sharks carried a commanding 26–7 advantage into the break. The home fans rose to cheer him when he was substituted after the 60th minute, his sterling effort earning him the Player of the Match honours.
Williams nearly grabbed his second try shortly after the restart, but Moyo crossed two minutes later after another strong carry from Esterhuizen. The Junior Bok star capped an impressive debut with five successful conversions as the Italians struggled to contain the Sharks’ momentum.
There was still time for tries from Emmanuel Tshituka, departing centre Le Roux Malan, and replacement scrum-half Ross Braude as the home side piled further misery on Zebre despite two late consolation scores.
Replacement flyhalf Jean Smith slotted both late conversions in his final outing for the Durban outfit as the Sharks finally ended a disappointing season on a high with a comprehensive win.
Points Scorers
Sharks — Tries: Williams, Kolisi (2) , Siyaya, Moyo, Tshituka, Malan, Braude. Conversions: Moyo (5), Smith (2).
Zebre — Tries: Faiissal, Gesi, Quattrini. Conversions: Montemauri (2)