Rugby
Sharks snatch victory from jaws of defeat─── MORGAN PIEK 08:04 Sat, 19 Apr 2025
The Sharks pulled off a dramatic win on Friday night with a last-gasp try at DAM Health Stadium in Scotland, edging out Edinburgh 18-17 in the United Rugby Championship.
The Durban-based side looked set for defeat until Springbok winger and former Cheetahs star, Makazole Mapimpi, crossed the line in the 80th minute to seal the match-winning score.
In doing so, Mapimpi became the Sharks’ all-time leading try-scorer. But it was the powerful centre, André Esterhuizen, who proved to be the game-changer for the visitors. The Sharks drew first blood in the 3rd minute with a penalty from Jordan Hendrikse.
André Esterhuizen and Eben Etzebeth speak after tonight's last-minute @SharksRugby win ??
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) April 18, 2025
"We'll take that, take the learnings and get on with next week." ??? pic.twitter.com/qrlq6mxsPF
Edinburgh responded in the 11th minute when James Lang scored a try, followed by another from James Ritchie in the 27th minute to stretch the hosts’ lead. Just before half-time, Springbok flyhalf Hendrikse slotted his second penalty to narrow the gap to 10-6 at the break.
The Sharks struck early in the second half when fullback Aphelele Fassi went over for a converted try, putting them back in front. But things got heated soon after, with Lukhanyo Am shown a yellow card in the 45th minute.
A full-blown scuffle broke out, resulting in both Sharks captain Eben Etzebeth and Edinburgh lock Sam Skinner being sent to the naughty chair for ten minutes as well. Moments later, Edinburgh hooker Ewan Ashman powered over for a converted try, reclaiming the lead for the home side.
Masuku x Mapimpi ????
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) April 18, 2025
The Hollywoodbets Sharks get it done in Scotland ????#SSRugby | #VURC pic.twitter.com/UJklSIdoQB
With time running out, it looked like the Sharks were headed for a loss – until Mapimpi worked his magic right at the death to clinch a memorable victory.
The win keeps the Sharks in fourth place on the URC log, now just one point behind the Bulls, though the Pretoria outfit still have a game in hand.
Looking ahead to Saturday’s action:
- At 13:45, the Lions take on Benetton at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
- At 16:00, the Stormers will host Connacht at Cape Town Stadium.
- And at 18:15, Munster will face the Bulls at Thomond Park in Limerick.
Scorers:
Edinburgh: Tries – James Lang, Jamie Ritchie, Ewan Ashman Conv. – Ross Thompson
Sharks: Tries – Aphelele Fassie, Makazole Mapimpi Conv. – Jordan Hendrikse Pen. – Hendrikse 2
