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Dragons heartbreak as Sharks snatch win in 85th minute
By PA
Dragons suffered late heartache as Sharks snatched a 33-30 win at Rodney Parade in the United Rugby Championship thanks to Fez Mbatha’s last-gasp try.
The Welsh side led 22-12 at half-time after tries from flanker Taine Basham, prop Chris Coleman and scrum-half Rhodri Williams, plus seven points from the boot of Lloyd Evans.
Sharks crossed twice through flanker Vincent Tshituka and scrum-half Jaden Hendrikse and had the task of chasing in the second half.
They did that to lead with scores by centre Jurenzo Julius and wing Ethan Hooker only for the Dragons to respond through Ben Carter.
However, replacement hooker Mbatha had the final say when he hammered over in the 85th minute.
Dragons opened the scoring with a fourth-minute Evans penalty and Sharks were reduced to 14 men when flanker James Venter was shown yellow for a high tackle on Aneurin Owen.
The Welsh side made that advantage count when Wales international Basham went over from close range in the 18th minute, Evans converting, but it was soon 10-5 after captain Tshituka responded in similar fashion.
Dragons had their second after 28 minutes when Coleman crossed from a yard after the backs had cut open Sharks and another flowing move was finished off by Williams.
However, the South Africans had the final say of the half when Springbok Hendrikse was on hand to finish off after a Julius line break, Siya Masuku converting to make it 22-12.
The gap was three points five minutes after the restart when Julius finished strongly, then 26-22 to the visitors after Hooker was found by a cross-kick on the left flank.
Back came Dragons and captain Carter went over after pressure on the line, with Sharks down to 14 after lock Jason Jenkins was shown yellow for a knock-on.
Will Reed made it 30-26 with a penalty approaching the hour but Sharks piled the pressure on in the 22 at the death to steal victory.
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Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
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