Boschpick Highlanders came within inches of a massive comeback on Saturday.
Trailing by 19 points at the half-time whistle, the local side struck three times in the second half to be just one try short of Durban Crusaders I.
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However, a late score by the visitors would seal the match.
There was something of a fever among players and rugby supporters, buoyed by the anticipation of the Sharks XV scrumming down against the Steval Pumas.
The stands at the Arbor Park grounds were packed to capacity.
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“From the kick-off, Highlanders was on the attack, and launched one attack after the other,” explained head coach, Andre Swanepoel.
Although under pressure, Crusaders’ defence held strong.
With the visitors scoring from a counter-movement, Highlanders went through a patch of poor defence, allowing three more tries in.
“At half-time, we had a chat and said we can turn this around and even win the game.”
However, Crusaders crossed the whitewash early in the second half, to go 31-5 up.
Down but certainly not out, Highlanders bounced back with three tries, including the day’s best by Ferrari Hadebe on the left wing.
“He got the ball after some good handling from the backline, rounded his man and sprinted 50 metres to dot it down.”
Mr Swanepoel applauded Crusaders’ right wing, Selwin White, who showed impressive pace and saved his team more than once.
On his side, scrumhalf, Simphiwe Zulu had an outstanding match.
Called in as a late replacement for Morne Hatting, he showed the heart of a lion on attack and defence, despite being one of the smallest.
Hadebe manned up to the opposition, putting his blazing speed to use.
Among the forwards, Robert Everson at lock, and captain, Errit Visser at number eight, enjoyed a good match in the red jersey.
“It was a very exciting game, with both sides running the ball and entertaining the big crowd.”
When the dust settled and the final whistle had blown, Mr Swanepoel spoke frankly about the lack of defensive practice time since Anton Pitout departed from the club.
The former Sevens player has been lauded for upping the Highlanders’ defensive game.
“Every game, we score four tries and lose, because we allow the opposition in for soft tries, and fall short on the scoreboard.”
Points scorers were as follows: Visser, Hadebe, Zulu and Bradley Swartbooi (inside centre) scored a try apiece, while Alex Booysen (flyhalf) kicked three conversions.
Teammate, Divan Fick was nominated as man of the match.
Earlier in the day, Highlanders II won its fourth match and second in a row, beating Crusaders II by 46 points to 26.
The second team was behind at half-time.
“They showed last week, travelling to Empangeni, they can win away from home, beating Zululand Rhinos by 15 points to five, topping the bottom five League for second teams.”
Captions:
- Inside centre, Bradley Swartbooi is brought down with a try-saving tackle.
- Crusaders heaped on the pressure, with a number of line-breaking runs.
- A tried and tested tactic of high up-and-unders left Highlanders catching into the sun in the first half.
- Musa Mkhize lines up his opposite number for a tackle.
- A Crusaders player makes a crunching tackle on flanker, Mlu Phakathi.
- Highlanders contest the ball, attempting to hold up the maul.
