The Southern Kings claimed a sensational 35-32 win over the Sharks at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in front of a vocal home crowd in Saturday’s Super Rugby clash.
The hosts got the game off to a flyer of a start, with Lionel Cronje nailing a penalty from near halfway. Alshaun Bock, who was brought in as a late replacement for Wandile Mjekevu, justified his inclusion with a fantastic try in the corner. However, Cronje missed his conversion attempt.
The Sharks hit back with two penalties from Lambie before taking the lead through a Daniel du Preez try. Lambie’s conversion proved to be his last noteworthy act of the game, as he was left concussed by a collision with Rhyno Smith and replaced by Garth April.
A long range drop goal from Cronje took the Kings back to within touching distance, but April stretched the lead back to five shortly afterwards with another long range penalty.
On the stroke of half-time, the Kings hit straight back with a try from Cronje. His conversion ensured that they went into the break 18-16 ahead and left the home crowd in good spirits. Meanwhile, Smith’s vain attempt to stop the try saw him yellow carded for a high tackle on Cronje.
The Kings picked the second half up where they left of the first as Alshaun Bock grabbed his second try of the game within 21 seconds from kick-off. Cronje converted and the Kings looked very much in control.
However, the Sharks swung the tide once more as the half went on. Ross Geldenhuys was yellow-carded 54 minutes in and April nailed the resulting penalty.
The Sharks then took the lead through a Lwazi Mvovo try and a conversion by April. However, the Kings regained it through a penalty from Cronje.
Two late penalties from April put the Sharks 32-28 ahead. This was how the score stood with just two minutes on the clock, but then came the final dramatic twist.
After camping on the Sharks’ tryline for a sustained period of time, the Kings swung the ball out wide to substitute Pieter-Steyn de Wet, who scored the winning try. Cronje’s conversion put the cherry on top and the Kings claimed their first victory over a fellow South African side ever.
