Kolisi stars as sloppy Sharks survive Zebre scare

Captain Siya Kolisi scored two tries to lead the Sharks to victory against Zebre in a nail-biting URC clash at Kings Park on Saturday.

Kolisi’s first-half brace gave the Sharks a sufficient cushion to negate the Italians’ spirited comeback for a 35-34 bonus-point victory.

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A try-double from the Springbok captain was complemented by tries from Bok prop Vincent Koch and promising centre duo Jurenzo Julius and Ethan Hooker, while flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse added 10 points from the tee.

The hosts took their foot off the gas after speeding to a 14-0 lead, and the tourists made the most of the opportunity to level the scores in the second quarter, and then kicked into the lead when Bok finisher Makazole Mapimpi was sent to the sin bin,  flyhalf Giovanni Montemauri kicking a penalty to make it 17-14.

It appeared the Sharks had heeded the warning when they responded with two more tries for a 28-17 lead at the break, but Montemauri kicked two more conversions after electric fullback Geronimo Prisciantelli crossed for two tries in the third quarter to give the Italians a 34-28 lead

The tourists lost replacement loosehead prop Muhamed Hasa to a yellow card and the Sharks pounced when Hooker dotted down in the corner and Jordan Hendrikse converted.

In the next round, the Sharks host Leinster at Kings Park, while Zebre travel to Loftus Versfeld to face the Vodacom Bulls.

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Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images