Sharks 32 Clermont 31 – EPCR Challenge Cup result as Siya Masuku kicks South African side into final

Sharks booked their place in the EPCR Challenge Cup final after fighting back from 13 points behind to beat Clermont 32-31.

Fly-half Siya Masuku kept the Durban outfit in the match with a perfect kicking record of six first half penalties and two conversion as they edged past Clermont.

The Sharks had looked out of the game after a brace of first half tries by Joris Jurand and a third by Alex Newsome, coupled with Anthony Belleau penalties, gave their side a 13-point advantage in the second half.

However, ill-discipline cost Clermont throughout the match and eventually Bautista Delguy saw yellow with his side in control.

The card swung momentum and the Sharks came fighting back as Vincent Koch’s try pulled them within six points.

Despite Aphelele Fassi also being sent to the sin-bin for the Sharks they continued to pressure their opponents and Makazole Mapimpi scored their second try 10 minutes from time.

Masuku kept his calm to kick the winning conversion to set-up a Tottenham Hotspur Stadium final on May 24 against either Gloucester or Benetton.

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After kicking 22 points to fire his side into the final Siya Masuku praised his side for ‘showing great fight’.

“We showed great fight,” said Masuku to TNT Sports. “There were times in the game when the boys just kept fighting and kept coming back.

“It’s a credit to the boys for the fight and comeback. Everything I do I do it for the boys and for this team.

“I’m lost for words.”

The Sharks kill the ball as the ball goes out and the Sharks have completed a memorable fightback from 13 points down to win 32-31

The Sharks have possession as time is running out and Clermont look dead on their feet. The French side look tired and continue to make mistakes.

Both sides are now back to full strength following the yellow cards.

Clermont have made a change as Fall comes on for Ojovan and Slimani is on for Fourcade

A take from Etzebeth results in him finding Tshituka who offloads perfectly for to Am who releases Mapimpi out wide.

Masuku is again perfect with the boot to kick his side back ahead.

Clermont changes: Slimani off for Ojovan; Lee off for Sowakula

Sharks change: Venter off for Labuschagne

What looked a good penalty opportunity for Belleau is kicked wide as the Clermont gap remains at six points.

The game is completely open as firstly Jurand looks to run through before being blocked off the ball by Fassi.

Sharks then counter-attack before the last man denied them. However, the TMO looks back at the challenge by Fassi to deny Jurand.

The referee rules the challenge as foul play and a yellow card for Fassi but rules against the penalty try and there was cover coming in.

Sharks pressure eventually results in a drive close to the line being held up and Koch diving over from close range.

Masuku makes no mistake with his penalty.

Sharks kicker Masuku kept his side in the match during the first half slotting over six penalties. One impressive effort came from 50 yards out.

A deliberate knock-on by Delguy under pressure results in the referee having enough of the infringements and give the Clermont man a yellow card

The Sharks are desperate for a try and Etzbeth drives them forward only for Clermont to concede a penalty but survive the pressure.

The Sharks decide to go for a scrum rather than kick the close range penalty. The Clermont defence win the scrum and the ball is kicked clear

Yato wins the ball from the Sharks before finding Jurand who chips forward before knocking the ball off a Sharks player. The Clermont man regained the ball before running over a try.

However, the TMO rules the effort out for a knock on and the score remains 18-31

Some good momentum by Clermont who have their opponents on the ropes. The ball finds Belleau is space who sends his drop-kick wide of the posts.

A loose ball sees a player from each side try to grab it. The referee has blown his whistle but some pushing follows. Tension is definitely rising as the Sharks try and search for a route back into this match.

Jurand punished the Sharks in the first half after being given too much space out wide.

Clermont are awarded a penalty straight from the kick-off. Belleau makes no mistake under the posts to kick his side 18-31 ahead.

We are back underway with a half-time Clemont change as Lanen comes on for Lavanini