Making a Statement
12/02/2024 02:08 AM
A massive 35 000 strong crowd cheered the brave Hollywoodbets Sharks on to their first ever Vodacom United Rugby Championship victory over the DHL Stormers when they won 21-15 at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday.
As rugby matches go, this was every bit as physical and intense as to be expected and a fantastic example of South African derby rugby at its best, with more than its fair share of drama thrown in.
The visitors from Cape Town dominated the opening 10 minutes of the game, camped in the Hollywoodbets Sharks' half and then 22 as they threatened an early score, but a healthy dose of try-saving tackles, poaching on the ground and a lineout steal thwarted the Stormers efforts.
As the Hollywoodbets Sharks worked their way out of their territory, the game changed complexion completely with a dominant maul before quick hands and sharp thinking saw Aphelele Fassi in space, he did the initial damage before feeding Ethan Hooker who had the brutal strength and composure to draw in two defenders and then cut inside to score the opening try, with Siya Masuku converting.
Four minutes later the Durbanites stunned their opponents when Siya Kolisi smashed his way over after a sustained attack that had the Stormers defence under immense pressure, eventually unable to stop the relentlessness of the Hollywoodbets Sharks' attack. Masuku converted for a 14-nil lead after 17 minutes.
The Stormers finally got on the scoreboard in the 25th minute, taking a drop-goal from 40m out when their attack failed to breach the home defence.
The ensuing 15 minutes was marked by brutal hits and missed opportunities, the Stormers missing two pot-shots at goal and a late effort from the home side falling short after a lineout steal from the visitors.
This derby match was every bit as tough and uncompromising as we could expect when the local coastal teams go toe-to-toe.
Ultimately, the Hollywoodbets Sharks were full value for their 14-3 half-time lead but would know that only another brave and committed second half would be enough to get them their first URC victory over the Capetonians.
The Stormers delivered the first blow in the second half, a TMO-referred try scored in the corner inside five minutes, although their kicking woes continued with their third shot at goal missing the mark.
What came next may well go down as the tournament's try of the season, closed out by Ethan Hooker but started by Andre Esterhuizen who created some magic out of nothing from his own 22 and the ball passed through numerous hands, skilfully and magically before ending in the corner. Sadly it also ended earlier by a TMO decision for obstruction early in the move and the try was denied.
In their haste to chase the game, the Stormers started throwing loose passes and this proved to be their downfall as they conceded their third try in the 59th minute, scrambling to clear their 22 the ball was poached, and Andre Esterhuizen was too strong as he bashed his way over, with Jordan Hendrikse adding the two for a 21-8 lead and the final quarter left to play.
The Stormers threw everything into their attack in their quest to maintain their unbeaten record against the Hollywoodbets Sharks in the tournament and were awarded a penalty try with 20 seconds remaining.
Just six points separated the two teams and only a converted try, as impossible as it seemed, could win the game for the visitors. They conspired to run the ball from their 22 and to groans from the passionate crowd, scored under the posts.
But there was more drama to come as the TMO picked up a knock-on and the try was cancelled. Game over, Hollywoodbets Sharks on top!
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