Rookie fullback Luan Giliomee enjoyed a stunning United Rugby Championship debut in the Sharks' big win over Munster.
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It didn’t take long for rising Springbok Sevens star Luan Giliomee to announce himself on the United Rugby Championship (URC) stage, the 19-year-old scoring his side’s second try and playing a hand in two others in a sparkling debut for the Sharks against Munster at Kings Park on Saturday.
Veteran Springbok winger Makazole Mapimpi also marked his 100th appearance with a dramatic late double that capped a commanding 45-0 victory and brought the Durban crowd to its feet. Giliomee produced a composed all-round display at fullback, belying his tender years, as the Sharks returned to winning ways to keep their playoff hopes firmly alive.
His maiden Sharks try showcased his eye for the half-gap and physical strength. The youngster from Ceres beat several defenders to score in the sixth minute after collecting a slick inside pass from Yaw Penxe, following a powerful carry by skipper Andre Esterhuizen.
The Sharks had opened the scoring moments earlier, with Phepsi Buthelezi crashing over from a well-executed lineout maul, before Jordan Hendrikse added the extras.
Despite dominating the forward exchanges, the hosts led only 12-0 at half-time. The front row of Phatu Ganyani, Fez Mbatha and Hanro Jacobs laid a solid platform, putting Munster under sustained pressure at scrum time.
Giliomee continued to impress after the break, showing off his kicking game with a perfectly weighted 50:22 that set up the Sharks’ third try. Ganyani powered over from close range soon after to extend the lead.
The debutant then displayed sharp vision to put lock Emile van Heerden over for the bonus-point try, before centre Le Roux Malan added another as the Sharks tightened their grip on the contest.
But the final word belonged to Mapimpi, whose late brace provided a fitting flourish on a night where both the franchise’s future and experience were on full display.
Point-scorers
Sharks - Tries: Buthelezi, Giliomee, Ganyane, Van Heerden, Malan, Mapimpi (2). Conversions: Hendrikse (3), Jean Smith (2).