Match report – United Rugby Championship
In a match destined for URC highlight reels, Makazole Mapimpi delivered a heart-stopping final try to secure the Sharks a narrow 18-17 victory over Edinburgh at Hive Stadium.
With just seconds remaining, the Springbok winger cut through Edinburgh’s defense to score the match-winning try—and in doing so, achieved a personal milestone: his 40th top-flight try, overtaking the legendary JP Pietersen’s record of 39 in Super Rugby.
“He’s always been a game-changer for us,” said Sharks head coach John Plumtree. “But tonight, he showed what legacy moments look like.”
Mid-game madness and momentum swings
Despite trailing for most of the contest, the Sharks dug deep after early Edinburgh dominance saw tries from James Lang, Jamie Ritchie, and Ewan Ashman. Ross Thompson’s missed conversions kept the game within reach, and Aphelele Fassi’s 41st-minute try helped keep the Sharks in touching distance before Mapimpi’s magic.
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Mapimpi vs Pietersen: A legacy in motion
While Pietersen scored 39 tries in 137 Super Rugby appearances, Mapimpi has now scored 40 in just 88 top-flight matches, reinforcing his reputation as one of South African rugby’s most efficient and electric finishers.
Coming up: The Sharks face a tricky next fixture in the URC, while Edinburgh will need a quick turnaround to stay in playoff contention—especially ahead of their Challenge Cup semi-final against Bath.
Stay tuned to NOWinSA for more updates as we continue to bring you ‘Stories Shaping South Africa Today’.
