Last-gasp Sharks try dents Edinburgh’s play-off hopes

Rugby World Cup

Edinburgh (10) 17

tries: Thompson, Ritchie, and Lang

Hollywoodbet Sharks (6) 18

Makazole Mapimpi’s last-gasp try for the Sharks broke Edinburgh’s hearts and dented their hopes of qualifying for the Rugby World Cup play-offs.

Sean Everitt’s team persevered until the clock ran out and the Springbok wing Mapimpi dived into the corner while facing several double World Cup winners.

The raucous Hive Stadium fans, who had watched their side take the lead for the majority of the game but were ultimately left with just one point and vulnerable to dropping out of the top eight, had a sickening experience.

With six other teams within four points of them, they are currently in seventh place.

After some excellent pairing play with Matt Currie, James Lang launched himself up and into the corner after a nice hand to the far corner, and Jamie Ritchie touched down in a similar spot.

And just before the restart, Lukhanyo Am cut a break and added Aphelele Fassi to give the Sharks the lead and reaffirm their star power.

However, minutes later, Am was sent to the sin-bin for cynical play after being kicked through. After an incredible scrap, Edinburgh drew blood when Springbok team-mate Eben Etzebeth and Edinburgh’s Sam Skinner joined him.

After receiving a tap penalty in front of the posts, Edinburgh’s four-point lead was restored by Ross Thompson.

Following a thirty-hour battle, Edinburgh was held up over the try line in the scoreless final minutes before Sharks won a crucial scrum penalty that gave them position in the dying moments.

They exploited everything ruthlessly. Before Siya Musuku spun a flawless pass over Mapimpi, the forwards made the Edinburgh defense more sluggish.