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Sopoaga late show denies Bulls
By Christopher Devine
Lima Sopoaga was the last-gasp hero for the Highlanders as they snatched a 29-28 victory over the Bulls in Super Rugby despite being on the back foot for much of the game.
The Bulls, seeking a fourth successive victory, dominated possession and territory at Loftus Versfeld and looked to have done enough to extend their winning run when Jesse Kriel crossed for a 75th-minute try that was converted by Handre Pollard.
That left the Highlanders two points behind, but Sopoaga was handed the chance to win the game with a penalty from distance after 80 minutes had been completed and the former New Zealand fly-half held his nerve to round off a superb display of place-kicking.
Prior to the late drama, Highlanders full-back Fletcher Smith had been involved in many of the key moments.
He set up the game's first try for namesake Aaron Smith with a clever chip over the top, only to then be yellow-carded for cynically tackling Warrick Gelant off the ball to prevent a certain score, with a penalty try awarded to the Bulls as a result.
Pollard claimed an opportune interception try he also converted to make it 14-7 to the hosts, but Sopoaga landed penalties either side of the interval to keep the Highlanders in touch.
After Fletcher Smith had rounded off a stunning breakaway move involving Aaron and Ben Smith, Sopoaga's boot ensured the visitors remained ahead even though Jason Jenkins powered over with 23 minutes remaining.
Kriel appeared set to be the Bulls' hero, but it was Sopoaga who had the final say.
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Latest Comments
SCW really dislikes Eddie, doesn't he?
His words in 2019 before the RWC final that he now says should have resulted in Eddie's firing:
"Was Saturday’s sensational World Cup semi-final win over New Zealand England’s greatest ever performance? Yes, unquestionably, would be my answer."
So let's fire the coach one game later? Duh!
Go to commentsIreland have every right to back themselves for a win. But the key variable has little to do with recent record etc.
The reality is that Ireland are a settled team with tons of continuity, an established style, and a good depth chart, whereas NZ are fundamentally rebuilding. The questions are all about what Razor is doing and how far along he is in that program.
NZ are very close to really clicking. Against England all of the chatter is about how England could have closed out a win, but failed to do so. This has obscured the observation that NZ were by far the more creative and effective in attack, beyond the 3-1 try differential and disallowed tries. They gave away a lot of unnecessary penalties, and made many simple errors (including knock-ons and loose kicks). Those things are very fixable, and when they do so we are once again going to be staring at a formidable NZ team.
Last week we heard the England fans talking confidently about their chances against NZ, but England did not end up looking like the better team on the field or the scoreboard. The England defense was impressive enough, but still could not stop the tries.
Ireland certainly has a better chance, of course, but NZ is improving fast, and I would not be surprised at a convincing All Black win this week. It may turn on whether NZ can cut out the simple mistakes.
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