17 October 2026
The Sharks secured a thrilling 40-33 victory over Lyon after a post-80th-minute try broke a late deadlock. A total of nine tries were scored in an intense, see-sawing contest where the lead changed hands multiple times.
The Sharks opened the scoring with an early unconverted try to lead 5-0. Scrum-half Jaco Williams then anticipated a wide pass, snatching an interception to race clean through under the posts. Jordan Hendrickse added the easy conversion to double the advantage.
Lyon hit back instantly through their set-piece as Adrian Seguret rounded the defensive line to score. Minutes later, Monty Ioane cantered over from a set lineout move. Paddy Jackson slotted both conversions to edge the hosts into a 14-12 lead.
The visitors recaptured the lead just before the interval after opting to kick a penalty into the corner. Forward Manu Tshituka showed immense leg-drive to power over from a pick-and-go. Hendrickse added the extras to make it 19-14 at half-time.
Lyon caught the Sharks cold immediately after the restart as center Lilian Baret barged his way over. Jackson converted to put the French outfit back in front by two points.
The Sharks responded with strong ball-carrying at the gainline, setting up Nick Hatton to dot down. They extended their lead further when Hendrickse executed a perfect cross-kick to Lili Bester, who offloaded to Zekhethelo Siyaya for a clinical score.
A successful conversion put the South African franchise comfortably ahead at 33-21 going into the final quarter. The Sharks then had a Bradley Davids try chalked off by the TMO due to an obstruction in the build-up.
Lyon capitalised on a Sharks lineout error, allowing Gabin Lorre to scoop up the loose ball and race away. With two minutes left on the clock, Baptiste Couilloud won a foot race to dot down a clever grubber kick. Jackson converted to level the scores at 33-33.
With the match heading into injury time, the Sharks retained possession from the deep restart. They shifted the ball wide to exploit a tiring defensive line, allowing Lili Bester to gas his defender and score the match-winner. Hendrickse added the final conversion to seal the seven-point victory.
Scorers:
Lyon : Tries: Adrien Seguret, Monty Ioane, Lilian Baret, Gabin Lorre, Baptiste Couilloud. Conversions: Paddy Jackson (3)
Hollywoodbets Sharks: Tries: Lili Bester (2), Jaco Williams, Phatu Ganyane, Nick Hatton, Zekethelo Siyaya. Conversions: Jordan Hendrikse (5)
Teams:
Lyon:15 Gabin Lorre, 14 Alfred Parisien, 13 Josiah Maraku, 12 Adrien Seguret, 11 Monty Ioane, 10 Paddy Jackson, 9 Baptiste Couilloud, 8 Maxime Gouzou, 7 Liam Allen, 6 Dylan Cretin, 5 Janse Roux, 4 Mickael Guillard, 3 Matteo Nocera, 2 Camille Chat, 1 Thomas Gallo. Replacements: 16 Mathis Sarragallet, 17 Hamza Kaabeche, 18 Thomas Marceline, 19 Marvin Okuya, 20 Lilian Baret, 21 Sanele Nohamba, 22 Léo Berdeu, 23 Thibaut Regard.
Hollywoodbets Sharks: 15 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 14 Jaco Williams, 13 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 12 Murray Koster, 11 Lili Bester, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Ivan van Zyl, 8 Nick Hatton (captain), 7 Manu Tshituka, 6 Matt Romao, 5 Deon Slabbert, 4 Stephan Lewies, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Ethan Bester, 1 Phatu Ganyane. Replacements: 16 Esethu Mnebelele, 17 Cameron Dawson, 18 Nemo Roelofse, 19 Emile van Heerden, 20 Tinotenda Mavesere, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Gianni Lombard, 23 Jurenzo Julius.