The NSW Waratahs have drawn 24-all in a tough contest against the Sharks at a steamy Kings Park Stadium in Durban.
Scrumhalf Jake Gordon put up the game’s first points after darting from behind the scrum in the 4th minute to dot down his 6th Vodafone Super Rugby try.
Sharks pivot Robert Du Preez was gifted a penalty in the 11th minute, his side going on to put up a five-pointer through Lukhanyo Am just seven minutes later.
After more end-to-end rugby, NSW Waratahs flyhalf Bernard Foley equalised the score with a penalty of his own in front of the posts with 10 minutes remaining in the half.
While both sides continued to threaten, the Sharks were denied a try right on halftime to send the two sides into the sheds all tied up at 10-all.
The New South Welshmen came out in the second half beaming with intent, but it was the home team who posted the first points in the form of Lukhanyo Am’s second try of the afternoon just six minutes after play restarted; 17-10 the score after a successful Du Preez conversion.
As the teams tried everything to sniff out weaknesses, it was NSW Waratahs captain Michael Hooper who kicked the Tahs up a notch with an equaliser, showing his pace as he ran in a try from more than 60m out in the 56th minute.
A penalty conversion attempt for the Sharks’ kicker went begging but was redeemed as Du Preez finished off a successful chip-and-chase to put the hosts in font 24-17 with only 10 minutes left in the game.
The stage was set for an electric finish in Durban as NSW Waratahs debutant Mitch Short dashed to the corner for his first ever Vodafone Super Rugby try in the 76th minute. Bernard Foley kept his cool to knock over the equalising conversion from the sideline to maintain his flawless kicking off the tee in 2018.
The final minute of the game saw the Sharks have a final attempt at a drop goal, but the New South Welshmen worked hard to shut down any further threats from the home team to draw the match 24-all.
Joining Short in their debuts for NSW were prop Kalivati Tawake and backrower Will Miller, both being injected into the game in the second half.
The NSW Waratahs will now head to Buenos Aires to prepare for their next Vodafone Super Rugby match against the Jaguares.
Sharks 24 (Tries: Am 2, Du Preez; Cons: Du Preez 2; Pen Con: Du Preez)
NSW Waratahs 24 (Tries: Gordon, Hooper, Short; Cons: Foley 3; Pen Con: Foley)
Half-time score: 10 all
