The Sharks kept their Investec Champions Cup playoff hopes alive with a big win against Clermont’s second-stringers at Kings Park.

The 50-12 bonus-point victory moved the Sharks up to fourth in Pool 1 on 10 points, three more than fifth-placed Toulouse, who host the Sale Sharks later on Saturday. Third-place Saracens, who meet the pool-leading Glasgow Warriors in Scotland on Sunday night, are above the Sharks on points difference (+38 to –10).

The top four teams in each pool qualify for the round of 16, with those in fifth dropping down into the EPCR Challenge Cup playoffs.

The Sharks struck early in this must-win clash when fullback Aphelele Fassi collected scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse’s clever kick over the ruck.

Clermont wing Yerim Fall then received a harsh 20-minute red card for an aerial challenge on winger Yaw Penxe, yet it was the 14-man visitors who scored next when winger Joris Jurand beat Fassi to flyhalf Irae Simone’s cross-kick.

The Sharks did capitalise on their numerical advantage – Jaden Hendrikse dotting down after a blindside lineout attack – but Clermont prevented any further damage before being restored to their full complement.

The French club scored a second try when Jordan Hendrikse’s ambitious offload was picked up by Kylan Hamdaoui.

Sharks lock Jason Jenkins then lost the ball over the tryline late in the half as the hosts went into the change room just 14-12 ahead.

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However, they started the second half strongly when replacement prop Vincent Koch crashed over shortly after Clermont front-ranker Matheo Frisach had seen yellow.

Winger PK Sobahle then scored the bonus-point try, with Jordan Hendrikse keeping his perfect record off the tee.

Phiko Sobahle puts his foot on the gas 😤🦈

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The scrums went uncontested when Clermont were unable to field a hooker, and a third yellow card for the visitors – to scrumhalf Lucas Zamora – was followed by Fassi’s second try.

Replacement flyhalf Siya Masuku, loose forward Phepsi Buthelezi and centre Jurenzo Julius then scored late tries to further improve the Sharks’ points difference.

SHARKS – Tries: Aphelele Fassi (2), Jaden Hendrikse, Vincent Koch, Jordan Hendrikse, Siya Masuku, Phepsi Buthelezi, Jurenzo Julius. Conversions: Jordan Hendrikse (4), Masuku.
CLERMONT – Tries: Joris Jurand, Kylan Hamdaoui. Conversion: Lucas Zamora.

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images