Flyhalf Patrick Lambie instigated a second-half comeback as the Sharks snatched a 30-30 draw against the Lions in their Super Rugby clash at Ellis Park on Saturday.
The Durban-based Sharks trailed 30-9 after 48 minutes before precocious Springbok Lambie spearheaded a remarkable comeback as he scored a try and set up wing Lwazi Mvovo’s touchdown that snatched a share of the points at the death.
Several waves of Sharks pressure had eaten up the metres and sucked in the defence when Lambie burst through to score in the 54th minute.
His opposite number, World Cup winner Butch James, then sat out 10 minutes for a dangerous high tackle and the Sharks resurgence gained more momentum.
The visitors made the extra man count in the 69th minute when wing JP Pietersen outflanked the defence to score, Lambie curling an excellent conversion over from close to the touchline to make the score 30-23.
With just three minutes remaining, Lambie then showed exceptional composure under pressure as he threaded a grubber through the Lions backline, wing Deon van Rensburg slipping as he tried to turn around, meaning opposite number Mvovo would be free to speed on to the ball and score.
Lambie then kicked a superb conversion, from five metres in from touch, to level the scores.
The Lions had produced fine rugby in the opening 50 minutes as they scored three well-taken tries.
The home side were more clinical in a scrappy first half, scrumhalf Jano Vermaak showing great pace to round the defence and score in the right-hand corner, while flank Cobus Grobbelaar scored twice.
James had produced an impressive display, succeeding with all six (three penalties and three conversions) of his kicks at goal, and running the backline in an efficient manner, before his yellow card played a crucial role in the Sharks’ stunning comeback. — Reuters