The Sharks return home in fine shape to push for the Super 12 rugby semifinals after beating the Hurricanes 21-20 in a hard-fought match at Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth on Friday.
The Sharks’ pugnacious defence kept the frustrated home side out in dramatic style over the closing stages. Hurricanes replacement winger Roy Kinikinilau lost the ball over the tryline after a surging run and first five-eighth David Holwell watched a dropped goal attempt sail wide with less than two minutes on the clock.
Clinical defence by the Sharks — with an emphasis on not conceding penalties — paid off as they weathered wave after wave of Hurricanes phases.
Both sides scored two tries but a third penalty to Sharks first five-eighth Butch James with nine minutes remaining proved the difference.
It gave the South African team three wins out of four from their road trip to Australia and New Zealand, leaving them in a strong position with a bye next week to be followed by six consecutive home games.
The Hurricanes, who had won their last two games, must regroup before hosting the Blues next Friday.
The Sharks opened the scoring through a try to fullback Brent Russell but the Hurricanes responded when winger Shannon Paku was put clear on the right wing through a cut-out pass by number eight Jerry Collins.
They held their 7-5 lead until halftime and extended it via a Holwell penalty early in the second spell.
The next 10 minutes saw the visitors reclaim control, second five-eighth Trevor Halstead scoring off a short ball from James.
James added the conversion and a penalty to see them go 15-10 clear.
Flanker Ben Herring powered over for a try in the tackle of two Sharks defenders after Hore tackled Sharks halfback Craig Davidson deep in Sharks territory. James and Holwell traded penalties for the remainder of the half, the lead changing hands a total of seven times in the game. – Sapa-NZPA