The Sharks were crowned 2024 Currie Cup champions after Jordan Hendrikse kicked a 60m penalty after the full-time hooter to seal the title against the Lions.
Hendrikse’s heriocs saw head coach John Plumtree’s charges beat the home side 16-14 in a nail-biting contest that saw a goalless first half.
The Sharks opened the scoring after the interval when left-wing Ethan Hooker scored in the corner with flyhalf Siya Masuku adding the conversion.
The Lions however hit back almost immediately and leveled the score when scrumhalf Nico Steyn barged over following a quick tap penalty close to the try line.
The visitors then took a 13-7 lead thanks to a penalty apiece from Masuku and Hendrikse but the Lions claimed a slender advantage when Siba Qoma scored a try and Sanele Nohamba added the extras from the kicking tee.
It seemed as though the home side would give their fans the trophy as they only needed to put the ball into touch at the end but they lost possession in a ruck.
The Sharks then launched a final attack and were awarded a penalty in their own half and thát’s when Hindrikse stepped to deliver the trophy.
Scorers:
Lions: 14 (0) – Tries: Nico Steyn, Siba Qoma. Conversion: Sanele Nohamba (2).
Sharks: 16 (0) – Try: Ethan Hooker. Conversion: Siya Masuku. Penalties: Masuku, Jordan Hendrikse (2).
What an evening. Our boys delivered. Thank you to all our supporters. The trophy is coming home!#ChallengeCup #GLOvSHA #RoadToRedemption pic.twitter.com/R53Icc6WLd
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) May 24, 2024
