Last-gasp Sharks beat courageous Edinburgh

Up against several double World Cup winners, Edinburgh led for much of the second-half and held firm until the clock was red before Springbok wing Makazole Mapimpi dived into the corner to snatch it for the South African side, 17-18.

It was a sickening moment for the raucous fans at Hive Stadium, who had watched their side lead for much of the game, but Edinburgh end it with just one losing bonus point when it looked like they could snatch all five on offer.

James Lang started the scoring for Edinburgh in spectacular fashion as he launched himself up and into the corner after nice hands out wide, and Jamie Ritchie touched down in a similar spot following good combination play with Matt Currie.

At that point Edinburgh looked increasingly confident in a ferocious and feisty contest, but two penalties from fly-half Jordan Hendrikse either side of Edinburgh’s tries meant Sharks trailed by just four at the break.

And a minute after the restart Lukhanyo Am made a break and put in Aphelele Fassi to give the Sharks the lead and remind everyone of their star quality.

However, a kick through minutes later resulted in Am going to the sin-bin for cynical play. And when he was joined by Springbok team-mate Eben Etzebeth and Edinburgh’s Sam Skinner following an almighty scrap, Edinburgh smelled blood.

Hooker Ewan Ashman crashed over a few phases after a tap penalty in front of the posts, and Ross Thompson converted to restore Edinburgh’s four-point lead.

Thirty intense, but scoreless, minutes followed and included Edinburgh being held up over the try line, after the impressive Jack Brown – making only his second appearance in an Edinburgh jersey – broke out wide following a pin-point cross-field kick from Thompson.

That was before Sharks won a critical scrum penalty which gave them dangerous field position in the dying moments.

They took advantage ruthlessly. The forwards softened up the capital defence before Siya Musuku spun a wide pass out to Mapimpi to fall over the line.