Highlanders 17 Sharks 19
KEY POINTS:
Two rising stars of South African rugby produced moments of magic to lift the Sharks to 19-17 Super 14 rugby win over the Highlanders in Dunedin tonight.
The Sharks' unbeaten record was under serious threat when they trailed 3-14 early at Carisbrook but young Springboks Ryan Kankowski and Francois Steyn underlined their talent to matchwinning effect in the second spell.
With his team still trailing 11-17 at halftime, athletic No 8 Kankowski brought an even tussle to life with a brilliant try 80 seconds after the break.
He used anticipation to burst on to a pass from Highlanders halfback Toby Morland off cleanly won lineout ball, intercepting and sporting a wide smile as he cleared away more than 50m to score.
The only other points of an error-riddled second half were scored by Steyn, who produced won of his long-range specials - a 55m penalty shot with 25 minutes remaining.
Try as they might, the Highlanders couldn't crack the renowned Sharks defence and add to last week's first victory of the season over the Lions.
The best chance was a missed penalty attempt from 45m out by first five-eighth James Wilson with 6min remaining on the clock.
For the gutsy southerners, it was a return to the close losses that have dominated their season while the Sharks have become adept at winning tight scrapes.
Both teams scored two tries, with the Highlanders bagging both of theirs in the opening quarter against one of the premier defensive sides in the competition.
Highlanders winger Fetu'u Vainikolo showed his strength to open the scoring in the seventh minute, shrugging off three attempted tackles to barrel over after a slick backline injection from fullback Paul Williams.
Their second try went to prop Clint Newland, driving over from close range after another Vainikolo surge.
Two penalties to halfback Ruan Pienaar was all the Sharks had to show for the opening half hour but they crossed soon afterwards through flanker Jacques Botes after some clever interpassing.
First five-eighth James Wilson landed a penalty just before the break but it was to be the last points for the Highlanders.
After conceding the lead for the first time, the Highlanders were fortunate not to fall further behind when the third match official ruled Highlanders winger Matt Saunders had not deliberately knocked the ball dead after a kick and chase from his opposite Odwa Ndungane.
The Highlanders begin a three-week tour of South Africa next week against the Bulls while the Sharks next face the ACT Brumbies in Canberra.
Result of the Super 14 rugby match at Carisbrook in Dunedin tonight:
Sharks 19 (Jacques Botes, Ryan Kankowski tries; Ruan Pienaar 2 pen, Francois Steyn pen) Highlanders 17 (Fetu'u Vainikolo, Clint Newland tries; James Wilson pen, 2 con). Halftime: Highlanders 17-11.
- NZPA
