The Sharks scored a dramatic victory in sudden-death penalties in their United Rugby Championship quarter-final over Munster, at King’s Park, in Durban, on Saturday.
In what was a rare sight on a rugby pitch, the match had to be decided in a shoot-out from the kicking tee after the sides could not be separated after extra time.
The regulation 80 minutes saw the sides end 24-24 and in extra time neither team could manage any further scores.
With the match heading towards penalties at the end of extra time, Springbok Makazole Mapimpi on the wing was whipped off for the 22-year-old replacement, back Bradley Davids, by Sharks coach John Plumtree.
Bradley Davids Shines Under Pressure with Match-Winning Kick
The move would make more sense moments later when the sides left the result in the ‘boots’ of their chosen kickers.
With Munster’s chosen hero Rory Scannell slotting the first kick, Davids matched his opponent by also converting his penalty from a tight angle.
In his second attempt, the Munster centre missed, which left the door open for Davids. The Sharks youngster then stepped up, and calmly slotted the winning kick to thrust his side into the semis.
Speaking after the game, Plumtree sang the praises of Davids.
“He’s a real student of the game, Bradley, and he’s just going to get better and better. He’s just got that nature and is a very calm guy. He probably plays a bit above his years. He’s confident and when you put him out there, he’s not scared to have a go,” said Plumtree.
“We had no hesitation in putting him in that moment. We could’ve used [Aphelele] Fassie, but we were more confident that Bradley could do the job. Even if he didn’t, we would have stood by him. It would’ve been tough for him if he had missed that last kick, but he kicked the goal to win it.”
@Michael_Sherman
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