DURBAN, South Africa - Replacement scrumhalf Augustine Pulu scored a try after the final hooter to cap an 18-12 win for Waikato Chiefs over the Sharks in Super Rugby yesterday.
Pulu's dart down the blindside in the 81st minute made certain of Waikato's seventh straight win, taking the New Zealand team back to the top of the overall standings with one more week-nine fixture to be played.
Flyhalf Aaron Cruden's 13 points had kept the visitors ahead from the moment he crossed for a try in the 19th. He also kicked the conversion and two penalties.
The Sharks closed to within a point at 13-12 with Patrick Lambie's fourth penalty in the 67th, but the Springboks back missed a long-range attempt with 10 minutes to go and the Chiefs closed out victory.
The high-flying Chiefs have won every game since slipping to a home defeat to the Highlanders in the first round. The Chiefs return home from Australia and South Africa with three wins from three after beating the Western Force, Cheetahs and the Sharks.
"It's very satisfying to have a tour when you win three from three," captain Craig Clarke said.
"It doesn't happen very often. We're chuffed, but also a bit relieved with the way this game worked out."