South African's deadly Bomb Squad detonated English dreams again last night as Gloucester’s quest for a cup Double was wrecked by the Sharks’ scrum blitz in Tottenham.
Last autumn, England narrowly lost their World Cup semi-final against the Springboks due to a set-piece onslaught led by Oc Nche, Bongi Mbonambi and Vincent Koch, and that trio were the heroes of this Challenge Cup Final.
By the time they were replaced to a thunderous ovation midway through the second half, Gloucester were doomed.
Former Saracens prop Koch added a dazzling flourish with a 50-22 kick and afterwards spoke of the Sharks’ pride at becoming the first South African team to win a ‘European’ title.