Sharks coach John Plumtree reflects on dramatic kickoff to win URC quarterfinal

Facing former URC champions Munster, the Sharks battled back from eleven points down to tie the contest at 24-all, forcing the contest into extra time at Kings Park. However, after another 20 minutes of rugby couldn't separate the teams. 

As a result, the URC saw its first kickoff to decide the winner. Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse, along with late substitution Bradley Davids, nailed all six of their kicks to send the Sharks into the semifinals.

Speaking to the press after the match, Plumtree expressed his admiration for the grit shown by his players.

"It was a tough battle," said Plumtree.

"I've never been involved in a game like this. I'm just proud of the boys.

"We didn't play particularly well in the first 20-30 minutes of the game, but then we got on top. We had a couple of bad moments when they got to 21-10 and then we just clawed our way back in [to the game]. And going down to the kickers like that, I was just so proud of them."

Plumtree revealed that the coaches were scrambling to read the rules of the kickoff as the end of extra time drew closer. Replacement scrumhalf Davids came on at the death for Makazole Mapimpi to add a third goalkicking option.

"We were scrambling in the [coaches] box to get the pitch map for the kickers," admitted Plumtree.

"With 10 minutes [of extra time remaining] we talked about getting Bradley on, because we know he's a classy little kicker. So we got him on with two minutes to go.

"And wow, what a moment for him, kicking the goal to win the match. Huge BMT for a young fella, so I'm proud of him."

The Sharks face the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld at 18:15 next Saturday in the URC semifinal.

READ MORE: Bradley Davids the hero as Sharks edge Munster in dramatic URC penalty shootout