Sharks flyhalf Siya Masuku produced a world-class performance to help his side reach the final of the Challenge Cup after they defeated Clermont in the semi-final on Saturday at Twickenham Stoop.
The Sharks won their clash with Clermont 32-31 , with 22 of their points coming through the boot of Masuku.
The 27-year-old kicked six penalties in the first half, keeping the Sharks alive as they went to the interval 28-18 down.
Masuku kept up his excellent kicking display in the second half by slotting two conversions from tries by Vincent Koch and Makazole Mapimpi.
The Masuku F-bombThe flyhalf produced an all-round performance that earned him the man-of-the-match award, something he has grown accustomed to.
Masuku captured the attention of the rugby fraternity when he dropped an F-bomb in his post-match interview after the match in London.
The F-bomb came about as he was overwhelmed and lost for wordsafter the thrilling game.It was, however, well-received by the publicasmany are proud of hisjourney,from playing club rugby to leading the Sharks to a Challenge Cup final.
Hes still going to get betterSharks mentor JohnPlumtree praised Masukus influence on the team since becoming the starting flyhalf. Following Saturdays performance, Plumtree predicted thattheres more tocome from Masuku.
He has played well on the big stage, Imreally happy for him, Plumtree said of his No 10.
Very humble character, he feels very honoured to be playing for the jersey, and hes making the most of his opportunity.
Hes still going to get better, his skill sets will improve; his passing game needs to improve, needs to improve as an athlete. He hasnt anywhere reached his ceiling yet. Hes a confident little player, his kicking has been great, when he goes for a touch kick he doesnt go for 30m, he goes for 40m.
I love his attitude around the game, and the players also like him. Hes riding the crest of a wave at the moment, hes hanging on, he said.
The Sharks will play the Challenge Cup final on May 24 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium against English Premiership side Gloucester. Before that, they will play two United Rugby Championship games against Benetton and Cardiff Rugby.
