Late Mitch Hunt try helps Crusaders seal 21-21 draw against Sharks

Crusaders 21-21 Sharks, Christchurch Stadium
Scorecard

Mitch Hunt scored the decisive converted try in the added minutes as Crusaders managed to draw the Super Rugby encounter against Sharks at Christchurch Stadium on Friday.

Crusaders have consolidated their position at the top of the table with 42 points while Sharks maintain their place at the top of the South African Conference with 28 points.

Sharks suffered a setback when Kerron van Vuuren left the field in the third minute but they also got their first points on the board when Curwin Bosch kicked a penalty goal in the 9th minute.

Crusaders got their breakthrough in the 12th minute when a combination of Jordan Taufua and Braydon Ennor set up Codie Taylor over the line in the 12th minute that was improved by Hunt to make the scoreline 7-3. Nevertheless, Bosch with back to back penalties ensured Sharks had a slender 7-9 lead heading into the break.

Bosch kicked two more penalties at the start of the second half to stretch the visitors' lead to nine points but Jack Goodhue's try in the 56th minute meant the gap between the two teams came down back to two points.

The momentum once again swung towards the visitors with Bosch slotting two more penalties in the 69th and 75th minutes but his effort went in vain as Hunt with a converted try in the added minutes ensured the points were shared.