Sharks made a successful start to the Challenge Cup, defeating Pau 45–5 in Durban, with Lukhanyo Am emerging as the hero.

In front of the Kings Park supporters, Am and a number of other capped Springboks led the Sharks to a commanding victory in their opening European match of the season on Saturday afternoon.

Match recap

The center for the Springboks scored twice in the first half to set the stage for an incredible scoring performance.

Curwin Bosch, the flyhalf, converted both of Am’s tries and added a penalty, although he missed one on the half-hour mark that would have given the hosts a stronger lead at halftime.

In the final seconds of the half, he converted a try by flanker Eben Etzebeth to put them ahead 24-5. Gregoire Arfeuil’s score in the 14th minute was Pau’s lone reply.

One minute into the second half, Bosch scored again when Wing Marnus Potgieter crossed the goal line. Mehdi Tlili’s 44th-minute yellow card added insult to injury for Pau.

It gave Sharks the space and opportunity to extend their advantage, with wing Makazole Mapimpi grabbing another try to stretch the lead to 40 points.