ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Wednesday Mar 31, 2010

The Hurricanes and Sharks nailbiter from Wellington

The Hurricanes and Sharks nailbiter from Wellington


The Hurricanes and the Sharks couldnt be separated on the score sheet with 30 seconds left in their Super 14 meeting at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington on the weekend. To avoid the spoiler, stop reading now and skip to the clip.

Ruan Piennar put in a great individual display as he answered his critics by staying composed late in the game, bringing back memories of that classic encounter between the

Sharks and the Crusaders in Durban

a few seasons back.

He kicked 19 points with seven out of eight kicks at goal, including the winning penalty kick from 49 meters out with time up. His return to form is much appreciated by the struggling Sharks, who lost their first five matches of this years campaign.

“I don’t believe he is as strong mentally as we’d all love him to be,” Springbok coach Peter De Villiers said when speaking about Pienaar recently.

“He has everything when it comes to skills and talent, but he seems to be missing that one little thing between the ears that could make him the great Springbok that I thought he’d be by now.

“Some people are motivated internally, but I think Ruan thrives on external motivation. He needs constant reassurance, and responds well to praise, whereas a guy like Morne Steyn is the opposite, he explained.

Young fullback Patrick Lambie scored early on for the Sharks as they got out to a lead before Pienaar and Wilie Ripia exchanged penalties, with the visitors going into the break with a 13-6 lead. Piri Weepu then came on and slotted two kicks.

JP Pietersen then finished off an excellent flowing movement that had all the hallmarks of a classic Sharks try of old. Despite the lead, Maa Nonu and the Hurricanes struck back, and while Pienaar kept slotting his kicks, they later equalized with a Victor Vito try and excellent Weepu conversion, taking the scores to 26-26.

A penalty was then awarded to the Sharks near the halfway line, and as the hooter sounded, Pienaar coolly slotted the kick under massive pressure, giving the Sharks the 29-26 win.

“Pretty happy when a boy stands up like that to take the kick. I saw him leaning to the left (watching the flight of the ball) and nearly had a heart attack,” said Sharks captain John Smit afterwards.






Time:

05:56

ADVERTISEMENT

Comments




Related Articles

  • 226 WEEKS AGO

    scottish prop saves fire victim

  • 230 WEEKS AGO

    New Rugby X tournament insane

  • 258 WEEKS AGO

    Vunipola stands by his comments supporting...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    The dummy that sold the whole of Perth - including the cameraman

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Bayonne score 'one of the best tries you'll ever see' in latest match against Exeter

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    Baloucoune shows Andy Farrell what he's missing as the winger tears through Harlequins defence

  • 22 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

  • 24 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji number eight Viliame 'Bill' Mata scores audacious try

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    The sending off that rocked the Six Nations opener

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Wrecking ball beats 10 players to score full length of the pitch try

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Monster hit from Perrin leaves Bristol Bears player stunned

  • 20 WEEKS AGO

    Posolo Tuilagi's massive tackle lights up Top 14

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Christian Wade proves he still has the X-factor with 50 metre mazy finish for Racing 92

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Magical sevens try leaves defender stuck in the mud

  • 6 DAYS AGO

    The fan reaction to Georgia calling out Wales this Autumn

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    England player ratings: England wake Twickenham up with huge victory

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible scenes as Italy shock Scotland in Rome

View All

Funnies

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Awesome scenes as Blitzbok fan throws down at the HSBC SVNS

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Mike Philips recounts crazy night Shane Williams tried to fight Warren Gatland

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Shaun Edwards leaves room silent in new Six Nations documentary with French to English transition

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 22 WEEKS AGO

    Luke Cowan-Dickie left red faced after losing very costly bet

View All

Amateur

  • 63 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 63 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 86 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 86 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 87 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 9 HOURS AGO

    Danny Care to return to Twickenham for Barbarians match this summer

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Northampton Saints brothers retire a day apart

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Christian Wade proves he still has the X-factor with 50 metre mazy finish for Racing 92

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Tributes paid as World Cup referee looks to hang up boots

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Statement: Danny Care calls time on international career

View All