Pollard sinks Sharks as Bulls produce late charge

March 30, 2019
1173
Ultimate Rugby

Handre Pollard kicked a last-minute penalty as the Bulls clinched a 19-16 victory over the Sharks in a Super Rugby derby that saw both teams finish with 14 men.

The fly-half capitalised on the opportunity to kick for goal in the closing seconds of a see-saw contest after the Sharks' scrum had collapsed under heavy pressure.

Pollard finished with a personal haul of 14 points, including converting Jesse Kriel's second-half try, to help his side get back to winning ways after a painful 56-20 loss at home to the Chiefs last time out.

However, they did lose Schalk Brits to a red card midway through the second half at Kings Park, the hooker dismissed after exchanging punches with opposite number Armand van der Merwe, who was also sent off.

The Sharks scored two tries but still failed to record a first win over their opponents since 2014.

After Daniel du Preez had finished off a slick move by reaching the line soon after the break, Andre Esterhuizen drew the hosts level at 16-16 by forcing his way over from close range.

Robert du Preez failed to land both conversions, as well as an early penalty, and those missed opportunities came back to haunt his team, the reliable Pollard holding his nerve to win the game at the death.