Sharks edge Munster in dramatic Kings Park shootout after comeback thriller, setting up an all-South African URC semi-final with Bulls.
Kings Park Drama Ends in Historic URC Shootout
The Sharks booked their spot in the United Rugby Championship (URC) semi-finals with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Munster at Kings Park on Saturday. With the scores tied at 24-24 after 80 minutes and two scoreless periods of extra time, the match went to a rarely seen penalty shootout to decide the winner.
Both teams scored three tries in a tense and evenly matched contest. Then, it was the Sharks who held their nerve in the shootout, winning 6-5 and setting up an all-South African semi-final showdown against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.
Sharks Fight Back from the Brink
At the hour mark, the hosts appeared to be heading for defeat, trailing 21-10 against the Irish side, who won the 2023 URC. However, a powerful response from the Sharks’ forward pack changed the momentum. A series of dominant five-metre scrums put pressure on the Munster defence. This eventually allowed fullback Aphelele Fassi to cross the whitewash.
Moments later, a quick lineout and slick handling led to replacement hooker Fez Mbatha charging over for another try. This handed the Sharks a 24-21 lead. However, Munster responded with a late penalty to tie the game and send it to extra time.
Penalty Shootout Seals Sharks’ Place in Semis
With no points added in 20 minutes of extra time, the URC match headed into a rare penalty shootout. Then, each team nominated three kickers, with each player required to take two shots from different angles and distances.
The Sharks’ trio—Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, and Bradley Davids—showed nerves of steel, converting all six of their kicks. Munster’s Jack Crowley and Conor Murray also slotted their attempts. However, Rory Scannell’s miss from his first effort ultimately proved costly.
Fittingly, it was replacement scrumhalf Bradley Davids, who had only come onto the field with two minutes of extra time remaining, who stepped up to nail the decisive penalty and send Kings Park into celebration.
The victory marks a historic moment for the Sharks. They not only eliminated the former champions (2022/2023) but also set up a high-stakes derby showdown against the Bulls with a place in the URC final on the line.
URC Quarter-Final Line-Up Results
Match 1: Glasgow Warriors (1.34) beat Stormers (3.35) by 36-18
Match 2: Bulls (1.06) beat Edinburgh (8.40) by 42-33
Match 3: Leinster (1.01) beat Scarlets (12.00) by 33-21
Match 4: Sharks (1.38) versus Munster (3.15) by 6-4 in penalty shootout after 24-24 draw.
Fans and punters are in for a treat. These URC playoffs are ideal for those interested in online sports betting, given the odds and unpredictable nature of all the teams.
