Springbok backs Lukhanyo Am and Makazole Mapimpi combined once again to score a score for the Sharks that was eerily similar to the first try of the 2019 Rugby World Cup final.
The pair famously linked up in the 2019 final against England, with Mapimpi becoming the first Springbok to score a try in a World Cup final. South Africa won his 1995 and his 2007 finals without him scoring 5 points.
Mapimpi and Amu link again
In the 32-12 win over England in 2019, Mapimpi received the ball on the wing and Amu regrouped to beat the England defense before unselfishly passing the ball back to the winger for a try.
It's close enough to make you feel nostalgic pic.twitter.com/8NkgefuVEi
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) April 13, 2024
The two star players repeated their try in a 36-30 win against Edinburgh in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals in Durban.
Am sent Mapimpi again to destroy the wing and the Springbok flyers chipped in again to give chase.
What made this try slightly different from the 2019 score was that Mapimpi collected the kick himself and passed it back to his team-mate, who scored the Sharks' first try of the game.
Quiz: Can you name all the try scorers in the Rugby World Cup final?
This is basically the last try of the 2019 RWC with the tables turned. 🔥🔥
Mapimpi x Am is deadly! 😮💨#SHAvEDI pic.twitter.com/X5rbJU7JCi
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) April 13, 2024
Sharks beat Edinburgh to schedule match against Clermont in Challenge Cup semi-final
Shark Seals advance to semifinals
Sharks fly-half Siya Masuku scored a try to give his side a 7-6 lead, and moments later James Venter crossed for a whitewash to extend the home side's advantage.
Edinburgh fought back to regain the lead before half-time and went into the break leading 16-14.
However, the Sharks scored 14 points thanks to a try from Bongi Mbonambi and a shot from Masuku, sealing their place in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals.
Substitute back Kerwin Bosch took the field and added a further three goals as the Sharks built a comfortable lead and despite a late comeback in Edinburgh they won 36-30 and earned their 100th international cap. won the eye.
The Sharks will play Clermont at Twickenham Stoop in London on the first weekend of May.
quiz: Can you name all 44 people who have won the Rugby World Cup twice?