Sharks eke out comeback win over Clermont to seal place in final

THE SHARKS BECAME the first South African team to reach the final of a traditionally European club competition as they fought back to beat Clermont 32-31 in the Challenge Cup in London on Saturday.

Winger Joris Jurand outflanked the Sharks on left to touchdown twice in the first 19 minutes then Australian fullback Alex Newsome sidestepped through a gap on the other wing for a try after 29 minutes at the Stoop in Twickenham, home to Harlequins. Advertisement The Sharks even with seven Springbok World-Cup winners in their starting lineup barely crossed the halfway line in the first 40 minutes, but trailed only 28-18 at the break. Siya Masuku relentlessly punished Clermont indiscipline, landing six straight penalties, most from long range.

Referee Luke Pearce discussed a penalty try with his assistants but opted to give only a penalty, from which Belleau missed from the tee.

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