Watch: Combrinck's late 58-metre penalty sends Lions into semis
Ruan Combrinck's monster 58-metre penalty in the 78th minute gave the Lions a dramatic 23-21 victory over the Sharks to send them into the Super Rugby semi-finals.
If 2016 runners-up the Lions – who entered the knockout rounds with the best regular-season record – are to make it to the final for a second successive season they will need to overcome the Hurricanes, who beat them in last year's showpiece.
Johan Ackermann's side look destined for defeat as they trailed 14-3 at half-time, Jacobus van Wyk touching down the only try of the opening period for the visitors.
The Lions roared back through Franco Mostert, Jaco Kriel and Lionel Mapoe, but Curwin Bosch converted a score from Daniel du Preez to give the Sharks a one-point lead with 13 minutes remaining.
But Combrinck split the posts from inside his own half in the closing stages to send the Johannesburg side into the final four, where they will come up against a New Zealand franchise for the first time this season.
The Lions are the only team from outside New Zealand in the final four after the Chiefs clinched a 17-11 victory away to the Stormers in Cape Town.
Damian McKenzie kicked four penalties to put Dave Rennie's side ahead, but SP Marais set up a tense finale with a three-pointer just after the hour mark.
The decisive moment came when Shaun Stevenson dived over the line on the right with four minutes remaining, and a trip to the Crusaders now stands between the Chiefs and the final.
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He doesn't generally do it at all, for anybody, so don't say too much the next one could be just as positive about the Springboks if you don't get carried away!
He also pointed out the "no killer instinct" narrative that they simply weren't good enough. Do yo disagree that SA were that great against NZ?
Readying the article I didn't even see that as a dig towards SA SF, simply an exciting take on how close the ABs really are again to those at the top. I feel it is more you that is taking away from this enjoyment with you replay that is largely based on a lot of old resentment.
Just enjoy how good the rugby is and that NZ is back baby!
Go to commentsAttack coach? What "attack"? All I saw was headless chooks pinballing around the paddock. This whole coaching group needs a shake-down. The BFs have regressed at pace since the Prof & Cronnie days.
We have immense talent, some of the best in world rugby, but it's wasted on this coaching group. I put Bunting in the same loser category as Penney & Foster. At this point in time, success at RWC2025 seems a longshot!?!
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