Sharks vs Pumas

Recap

Sharks vs Pumas: Last-Minute Drama Leads to Thrilling 44-44 Draw in Nelspruit

In an exhilarating Currie Cup clash at Mbombela Stadium, a last-minute penalty from Pumas’ center Clinton Swart secured a dramatic 44-44 draw against the Sharks on Saturday. The match, featuring 12 tries, showcased a thrilling display of rugby as both teams battled fiercely from start to finish.

The Pumas started the game with a blistering pace, racing to a 27-8 lead by halftime. Left winger Phiko Sobahle was the standout performer in the first half, scoring a hat-trick of tries within the opening 20 minutes. Prop Eduan Swart also crossed the whitewash, while Clinton Swart added two conversions and a penalty to cement the Pumas’ dominance. The Sharks managed to respond with a try from right winger Eduan Keyter and a penalty from veteran flyhalf Lionel Cronje.

Despite the daunting halftime deficit, the Sharks came out firing in the second half. Left wing Jaco Williams scored shortly after the restart, followed by tries from outside center Litelihle Bester and blindside flanker Jannes Potgieter, leveling the score at 27-27 by the end of the third quarter.

The Pumas fought back with two tries from scrumhalf Ross Braude, maintaining their lead despite the Sharks’ relentless pressure. Sharks’ skipper Nick Hatton, hooker Dan Jooste, and prop Dian Bleuler each scored, turning the match into a nail-biting contest. Cronje’s yellow card added to the tension, but the Sharks’ resilience shone through.

In the final minutes, a well-struck penalty from Sharks’ scrumhalf Bradley Davids gave the visitors a three-point lead, sparking hopes of a remarkable comeback victory. However, Clinton Swart’s composure under pressure saw him slot a penalty after the full-time hooter, ensuring the game ended in a thrilling draw.