With the score uncomfortably poised at 26-25 in favour of the visitors with seconds to go, they made a telling error inside their half, giving United flyhalf Duane Brown an opportunity to win the game for his side with a high-pressure penalty.
The halfback made no mistake and converted to subject Springs to a heartbreaking loss after leading for most of the game.
In a rare occurrence in sport as a whole – not just rugby – the final score truly reflected the game as these two equally matched sides cancelled each other out throughout the 80 minutes.
Half-time score was 13-10 in favour of Springs.
United could’ve easily lost the game against a defensively sound Springs side as wayward passes and a lack of composure inside the visitors’ half cost them multiple chances.
The ball was passed to air and out of bounce to break attacking momentum far too many times – particularly in the second stanza where they were desperately chasing the game.
One of the better chances was presented to Jacky Jonkers in a promising attack in front of Springs’ tryline, but the blockbusting back saw the headlines and opted for the driving option over the swinging one before knocking-on in contact.
Exclusive mention must be reserved for Jonkers’ midfield partner Theo Rhodes, who scored a wonderful try after beating multiple tackles to get United within touching distance in the second.
Rhodes was joined by scrumhalf Monde Kinana and wing Marion Nqweniso in the try-scoring stakes.
The win means United have now defeated two of the top three sides in the league this season at The Graveyard in Vereeniging and now Springs.
United scorers: Tries: Monde Kinana, Marion Nqweniso, Theo Rhodes. Conversions: Duane Brown (2)
Penalties: Duane Brown (2). Drop goals: Clayton Gindan
Other results: United second team: United 15-5. United U-21: United 45-26 – @SabeloBoksburg
