Sharks edge out Stormers 9-12 to reach play-off

Stormers 9-12 Sharks, DHL Newlands
Scorecard

Lukhanyo Am scored the decisive try in the final minute as Sharks edge out Stormers 9-12 to reach the quarter-final of the ongoing Super Rugby season where they will face Brumbies.

With both the teams looking for an early lead, strong defence from either side meant the first quarter went without a point. The deadlock was opened by the 23rd minute when Joshua Stander kicked a penalty goal to get Sharks off the mark.

Replacement Rhyno Smith provided the breakthrough for Stormers with a 28th minute try but with a conversion missed the scoreline became 5-3. By the 32nd minute, the hosts suffered a setback with a sin-bin for Bongi Mbonambi but Sharks could not quite capitalise on the advantage ending a low scoring first half.

Stander kicked another three pointer to put Stormers into the lead and Sharks decided against two kickable penalties going for the corner instead though it went in vain.

Replacement Jean-Luc du Plessis with his 77th minute penalty kick made the scoreline 9-5 and just when Stormers thought they had the game, Am had other plans with a try in the final minute and Du Preez kicked the conversion to complete a 9-12 win.

Stormers also had a try ruled out in the 75th minute with TMO adjudging Johan Du Toit's pass to Seabelo Senatla was forward.

Highlights of the game: