Fullback Jordan Hendrikse converted a walk-off 60-metre penalty in the rain as the Sharks came back to beat the Lions in the 2024 Currie Cup final at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Hendrikse, who left the Lions for the Sharks in the offseason, banged over the long-range penalty to clinch a 16-14 victory and the Sharks’ first Currie Cup title since 2018.
A scoreless first half featured two teams battling to come to terms with the conditions under the pressure of a high-stakes final. Unforced errors, ill-discipline and poor ruck integrity saw promising attacks end in a turnover or penalty, with much of the first 40 dedicated to the Lions in enemy territory and the Sharks trying to exit.
Sharks wing Ethan Hooker dotted down in the third quarter to break the deadlock, scoring his second Currie Cup try in just his fourth appearance, and Lions scrumhalf Nico Steyn brought the hosts back with a quick tap to make it 7-7 at the start of the final quarter.
Sharks flyhalf Siya Masuku and Hendrikse both converted penalties in the fourth quarter, before a strong carry from Lions replacement forward Siba Qoma put the hosts – down to 14 men after a yellow card to prop Juan Schoeman for a high tackle on Hendrikse – into a 14-13 lead deep into the fourth quarter.
The Lions won a penalty with one minute remaining but, despite winning the ensuing lineout, their drive was turned over and, when the visitors were awarded a penalty on their own 10-metre line, Hendrikse stepped up to nail the shot at goal for the trophy.
The Lions will have little time to shrug off their disappointment before they kick off the 2024-25 URC against Leinster at Ellis Park next week, while the Sharks make take their celebrations to the sky as they travel to Ireland to face Connacht.
Photo: Christiaan Kotze/Gallo Images
