The Sharks left four probable tries on the park at the Absa Stadium Saturday and as a consequence nearly paid the penalty by becoming the only South African side to lose their Super 14 rugby match this weekend.
But in a sensational finish well after the hooter had sounded they won the ball deep in their own half. They managed to keep it in play for three or four minutes until they finally got a try to down the Wellington Crusaders 27-26. Wing Odwa Ndungane outstripped the defence and dotted down in the corner, leaving scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar the odious task of converting from the touchline for the win.
The crowd of 30 000 broke into a frenzy of excitement as his kick sailed between the uprights in the most incredible Super 14 finish of the season thus far.
The Sharks forwards had a magnificent day with locks Albert van den Bergh and Johann Muller getting tries to match the ”give-aways” to Crusaders eighthman Mose Tuiali’i and flank Kieran Read.
It was the first Sharks try for Muller in 38 appearances and the Springbok big man was obviously delighted. Fullback Percy Montgomery kicked two penalties and two conversions and Ruan Pienaar got the final kick over.
Flyhalf Stephen Brent kicked three penalties and two conversions and a great drop goal — the latter appeared to sink the Sharks before their great last second spurt — to keep the Crusaders in line for yet another close finish against the Sharks.
The Sharks were guilty of a number of knock-ons and forward passes. Percy Montgomery missed an early penalty and a drop-goal attempt.
As a result it was a match of high intensity and while the Sharks had the upper hand most of the way they could not press home their advantage.
The Crusaders were much more competitive in the second half and must have been bitterly disappointed at the cruel ending to their third game on their South African leg of the Super 14 competition. – Sapa