A last-minute penalty from Pumas centre Clinton Swart denied the Sharks a stunning comeback win in a 12-try 2024 Currie Cup draw in Nelspruit on Saturday.
The Pumas raced into a 27-8 half-time lead, but the Sharks clawed back with five second-half tries at Mbombela Stadium.
The visitors thought they had completed a stunning victory when scrumhalf Bradley Jacobs’ well-struck penalty gave them a three-point lead before the final hooter, but Swart split the uprights to level matters and bring the curtain on a thrilling 44-44 result.
Left winger Phiko Sobahle drew first blood for the hosts with his first touchdown in the sixth minute, and crossed for his second try of the match before the close of the opening 20 minutes.
Kota completed his hat-trick inside the first quarter after prop Eduan Swart crossed the whitewash, and inside centre Swart kicked two conversions and a penalty for a seven-point haul at the break. Sharks right winger Eduan Keyter bagged a try to go with a Lionel Cronje penalty for the visitors.
HIGHLIGHTS: Cheetahs, Bulls share spoils
Left wing Jaco Williams banked the Sharks’ second of the game soon after the restart, and Cronje added the extras before outside centre Litelihle Bester and blindside flanker Jannes Potgieter added their names to the scoresheet to make 27-27 at the close of the third quarter.
Two tries from scrumhalf Ross Braude kept the Pumas in the match entered the final 20 minutes, but scores from Sharks skipper Nick Hatton, hooker Dan Jooste and prop Dian Bleuler – either side of a Cronje yellow card – made it a thrilling finish to the clash.
The Sharks will refocus for a rematch with Griquas in Durban in eight days’ time while the Pumas travel to Johannesburg for a round 6 clash against the Lions at Ellis Park next Saturday.
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
