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DURBAN - The Sharks will host next week's Super 14 rugby final after out-lasting the Blues 34-18 in a tension-filled encounter at Durban today.
Trailing 14-18 with less than 20 minutes remaining, the Sharks kept their composure and, roared on a 50,000-strong crowd at Absa Stadium, came storming home to become the first South African to host a Super rugby final in 12 years of trying.
The Sharks scored three tries to two and were boosted by the boot of veteran Springboks fullback Percy Montgomery, who kicked 16 points.
The game was only decided with 8min remaining when first five-eighth Butch James crossed for a try, punching the air with delight.
Down 6-14 at halftime, the Blues looked set to gate-crash the party when outstanding second five-eighth Isaia Toeava set up both their tries early in the second half -- to winger Rudi Wulf and first five-eighth Isa Nacawa.
However, Toeava limped from the field after the second try with a serious-looking ankle injury and the Blues' fortunes dipped from there.
Hammered in the penalty count by Australian referee Stuart Dickinson, the visitors showed signs of the massive travel they have undertaken over the last month as the Sharks forwards took control.
The set-piece battle was an battle was an even one but the Blues only occasionally found their attacking rhythm in fits and starts against a Sharks side who have conceded just 12 points a game on average at home this season.
Multiple phase possession would be won by the Blues but often of the static variety while the Sharks provided a savvy mix of kicking with countering from deep.
The result ends the Blues' perfect record in the semifinals, having won on their previous four appearances.
The Blues were missing two key All Blacks -- second five-eighth Luke McAlister with injury and lock Ali Williams, who was sent home for disciplinary reasons.
Nacewa missed a penalty chance in the second minute but Montgomery made no mistake two minutes later to give the Sharks an early advantage.
The Blues then enjoyed their best period of the game, hammering away in the Sharks 22m area before prop Tony Woodcock was bundled out by the corner flag.
Nacewa eventually levelled the scores with a penalty but Montgomery put the hosts back in front.
The Sharks began to establish some control, resulting in a dropped goal to James after 25min.
The Blues struck back with a series of pick-and-drives but were thwarted by the hosts on their try line.
The Sharks also came within inches of scoring but winger Francois Steyn was ruled to have thrown a forward pass to flanker Jacques Botes before he crossed.
A decisive Sharks try went to lock Johann Muller after the ball went through numerous pairs of hands and eventually bobbled the big lock's way near the left-hand corner.
A break by elusive Blues fullback George Pisi on the stroke of halftime resulted in a Nacewa penalty and a 6-14 halftime deficit.
The Blues scored their first try 3min after the break when Toeava showed blistering pace from turnover ball and set up winger Rudi Wulf inside him after a 50m burst.
Toeava was at it again 10min later when took an inside pass, fended of No 8 Ryan Kankowski and returned the ball to Nacewa to score.
However, in the act of passing Toeava wrenched his right ankle in an injury that may yet have consequences for his All Blacks aspirations this year.
Two Montgomery penalties gave the hosts the lead once more and James' try after waves of pressure was followed by third to centre Waylon Murray on the stroke of fulltime.
The Sharks were to host the winners of today's other semifinal between the Bulls and Crusaders in Pretoria.
- NZPA
