Jordan Hendrikse kicks dramatic late penalty as Sharks win Currie Cup title

Jordan Hendrikse kicks dramatic late penalty as Sharks win Currie Cup title

The Sharks were crowned 2024 Currie Cup champions after Jordan Hendrikse kicked a 59m penalty after the full-time hooter to clinch the title against the Lions at Ellis Park.

Hendrikse's heroics saw head coach John Plumtree's charges beat the home side 16-14 in a nail-biting contest that saw a goalless first half.

The Sharks opened the scoring after the interval when left-wing Ethan Hooker scored in the corner with flyhalf Siya Masuku adding the conversion.

The Lions however hit back almost immediately and leveled the score when scrumhalf Nico Steyn barged over following a quick tap penalty close to the try line.

The visitors then took a 13-7 lead thanks to a penalty apiece from Masuku and Hendrikse but the Lions claimed a slender advantage when Siba Qoma scored a try and Sanele Nohamba added the extras from the kicking tee.

It seemed as though the home side would give their fans the trophy as they only needed to put the ball into touch at the end but they lost possession in a ruck.

The Sharks then launched a final attack and were awarded a penalty in their own half and that's when Hendrikse stepped up to deliver the trophy.

Scorers:

Lions: 14 (0) - Tries: Nico Steyn, Siba Qoma. Conversions: Sanele Nohamba (2).

Sharks: 16 (0) - Try: Ethan Hooker. Conversion: Siya Masuku. Penalties: Masuku, Jordan Hendrikse (2).

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