The Western Force upset the Waikato Chiefs with the last play of the game to snatch a 22-21 win in their Super 14 clash at Subiaco on Saturday night.
In a dramatic finish, the Force’s Cameron Shepherd appeared to cross for the winning try with 10 seconds to go, only for the video referee to rule a knock-on. However, referee Marius Jonker was playing advantage and the ball went back to Matt Giteau to take the match-deciding kick after the final siren.
Giteau was up to the challenge though and it never looked likely to miss. Reminiscent of last seasons classic match, in which Shephered himself had a last minute kick to win it, this game is another in the great, nailbiting wins for the Force at home.
Captain Nathan Sharpe thought his side had blown it when Shepherd’s try was disallowed.
“What a game – unbelievable,” he said. “I didn’t know we had a penalty. I was disappointed for the boys we didn’t get a try. That is the sort of kick you want Matt Giteau kicking.”
Take note of Sharpe’s cheeky comment to the ref when realising they had the penalty. A great finish to a thrilling game.
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