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Sharks 9-9 Rebels: Reece Hodge holds his nerve to secure draw

DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 31:  Reece Hodge of the Rebels reacts during the round six Super Rugby match between the Highlanders and the Rebels at Forsyth
Image: Reece Hodge held his nerve to earn the Rebels a last-gasp draw

Reece Hodge kicked a penalty on the stroke of full-time to earn the Melbourne Rebels a 9-9 away draw against the Sharks in an error-ridden Super Rugby clash on Saturday.

Hodge had a pressure kick from around 30 metres out but knocked it over with precision to hand the Rebels a rare draw in a tryless game pock-marked by poor handling, passing and sloppy turnovers.

The Sharks, forced to play with 14 men after the early sending-off of centre Andre Esterhuizen, looked to have wrapped up a narrow win two minutes from time when Curwin Bosch kicked a penalty that put them ahead for the first time.

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But as they were running down the clock, a scrum infringement handed the Australian visitors, who have never won a Super Rugby match in South Africa, the chance to tie up the game which Hodge gratefully accepted.

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Two first-half penalties from fullback Hodge put the Rebels 6-3 ahead at the break but Bosch, having missed two easy penalties, got his side back level and then put them ahead in the dying minutes.

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