The Sharks closed out their United Rugby Championship campaign with a commanding 54‑19 victory over Zebre Parma at Kings Park in Durban, a result that highlighted both attacking flair and a poignant farewell. Captain Siya Kolisi marked his final appearance for the franchise with two tries, underscoring why he remains one of South Africa’s most influential rugby figures. As we reported earlier, the win secured a positive finish to a season that had its share of challenges, and our analysts have now broken down the individual performances in detail.
Our Sharks player ratings begin with the backline, where youthful energy met experienced composure to produce a memorable display. Fullback Zekhethelo Siyaya, just eighteen, capped a breakthrough season with his first professional try, earning a solid seven out of ten for his composure and footwork. Wing Jaco Williams showed genuine pace and managed a try in the opening half, but his handling let him down, resulting in a modest four after being turned over three times.
Sharks player ratings highlight backs’ contributions
Outside centre Jurenzo Julius proved a constant threat, repeatedly slicing through the Zebre defence and forcing multiple tacklers to earn a respectable six. Inside centre Andre Esterhuizen lived up to his nickname, powering through the Italian line with a match‑leading seventeen carries, nine defenders beaten for eighty‑six metres and a crucial defensive turnover that merited an eight. Wing Litelihle Bester started nervy but grew into the game, using his expressive running to open gaps, though a poor attempt on Zebre’s opening try kept his score at six.
Fly‑half Moyo Simphiwe Vusi, making his debut at nineteen, displayed impressive confidence, his kicking from the tee pinpoint and his fifteen‑point haul a promising sign for the future, meriting a six. Scrumhalf Bradley Davids steadied after a couple of early loose passes, his lofted assist setting up the Sharks’ opening try and his overall composure earning another six.
Moving forward, the Sharks’ pack set the tone with relentless physicality and clever lineout work. Openside flank Emmanuel Tshituka was a busy presence, offering tireless support lines and eventually touching down near the end, though his handling in contact cost him a little, resulting in a six. Lock Nick Hatton made an early charge‑down that pressured Zebre and supplied the off‑load for Williams’ try, earning a seven for his work at the breakdown.
The moment everyone waited for arrived when Siya Kolisi burst through the centre field in the first half, powering over for his first try and later adding a second before being withdrawn on the sixty‑minute mark to a standing ovation. His performance, graded an eight, epitomised leadership and skill in his final Sharks outing. Prop Emile van Heerden was a battering ram in the carry and dominated the lineout, his seven reflecting his set‑piece mastery.
Deon Slabbert had a quiet afternoon, limited to a few dummy runs and earning a four, while veteran prop Vincent Koch cleared rucks with ruthless efficiency, his six acknowledging the unseen graft. Hooker Eduan Swart delivered another flawless lineout display, scoring a six, and Ox Nche, despite early scrum penalties, showed his trademark quick hands to set up Kolisi’s opener, finishing with a seven.
The bench continued the momentum, with Ross Braude and Le Roux Malan each crossing for a try and Jean Smith slotting the conversions, collectively warranting a seven for their impact.
Beyond the result, South Africa Rugby has announced a strategic planning session aimed at addressing player welfare concerns amid ongoing rumours of a potential Champions Cup exit for local franchises. The meeting will involve coaches, medical staff and player representatives, signalling a proactive approach to safeguard athletes as the professional landscape evolves.
As the Sharks reflect on a season that ended on a high note, the blend of emerging talent and seasoned campaigners offers optimism for the next challenge. Our Sharks player ratings underline that while individual brilliance shone, it was the collective effort that secured the memorable victory over Zebre Parma, setting a platform for future success both domestically and on the broader stage.