Rugby: Controversy mars thrilling draw (+photos)

Jimmy Gopperth of the Hurricanes jumps for the ball with JP Pietersen of the Sharks. Photo / Getty Images

Hurricanes 13 Sharks 13

View photos

An extraordinary Super 14 rugby match between the Hurricanes and Sharks ended in a blaze of controversy in Wellington tonight which belied the 13-13 scoreline.

Both sides could point to bad luck or questionable refereeing from Australian Paul Marks in a dramatic final quarter where fortunes fluctuated dramatically.

It brought to life a game that threatened to turn into dull affair, ruined by wet conditions.

Drama continued until the final moment when the Hurricanes pleaded for a penalty try for a tackle off the ball on centre Conrad Smith which went unrewarded.

Marks had earlier awarded a questionable penalty try to the Sharks, not long after having sent off their reserve loose forward Epi Taione for a head butt -- the first red card of the competition.

Hurricanes 13 (Andrew Hore try; Jimmy Gopperth 2 pen, con) Sharks 13 (penalty try; Ruan Pienaar pen, Francois Steyn pen, con). Halftime: 3-3.

- NZPA