Are the Sharks Super Rugby Champions for 2020? SR suspended as Coronavirus spreads

Long suffering Natal Sharks fans have waited ages to win Super Rugby. They would’ve done it in 2007 but for two horrible mistakes from Frans Steyn, and came close several times earlier this decade (most notably the Jake White coached side in 2014), but lost momentum at a crucial stage in their campaign.

The Sharks’ 24-14 win over the Stormers was the last game before Super Rugby was officially suspended in light of the Coronavirus epidemic sweeping the world. By winning the clash, the Sharks have now placed themselves on top of the SR table, and should the competition be cancelled altogether, Sean Everitt might become the club’s first coach to win a Super Rugby title!

Super Rugby 2020 points table at the time of Covid 19 suspension- Sharks first

Super Rugby Table 2020 Coronavirus Suspension

Key Talking Points Fiji 24-29 South Africa Los Angeles Sevens 2020 | Best ever comeback in a 7’s final?

South Africa produced a Hollywood-esque comeback in Los Angeles as they stunned Fiji 29-24 to take gold at the USA sevens. The Blitzboks were trailing 24-12 with less than 50 seconds to go on the clock, but managed a comeback that will surely rank as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, in sevens history.

Major moments from South Africa vs Fiji LA Sevens Final 2020

Chris Dry wins a Fiji lineout at 24-12: Having won a penalty, Fiji kicked for the corner and had an attacking line out in the South African half. The score was 24-12 in favour of Fiji, with 50 odd seconds remaining on the clock. However Dry managed to poach the lineout, and that set the stage for South Africa’s revival. Dry also scored the try that took the Blitzbokke to 24-17.

The Branco du Preez conversion to ensure ET: South Africa had foregone a chance to convert Dry’s try in the hope that they would get a few more seconds to score the fourth try they need to force extra time. From the restart the Boks managed to get the ball back, and finally made their way over the line. The conversion was a tough one from a difficult angle, but Branco du Preez managed it to level the scores and force extra time. The Blitzboks’ goal kicking was considered one of their weaknesses in the past, but this was a stunning effort under pressure.

The Waisele Nacuqu yellow card: At 24-17, Fiji’s Nacuqu was sent to the bin for a high shot on JC Pretorius. It gave South Africa an extra man advantage which they fully made use of- first to level the scores and then to win it in extra time.

(img via Springboks/Twitter)