With only three minutes to play Sharks' lock Albert van der Berg scored a try that looked to have won the Sharks their first ever Super Rugby title, but a missed conversion by winger Francois Steyn left the door open for a Bulls comeback.

Down 13-19, the Bulls launched a series of helter-skelter attacks in the dying seconds of the game, culminating in Habana breaking the line and scoring next to the posts with a superhero-like dive. First-five Derick Hougaard then landed a simple conversion in front of a stunned Sharks crowd to secure the first ever Super Rugby title for a South African team.

It was a game of absorbing action, but most of the tension created in the game was due to the close scoreline, rather than brilliant play from both sides.

The Sharks showed no fear of the Bulls' lineout, possibly the best in the Super 14, challenging for possession and using a number of variations to win their own throws.

Halfback Ruan Pienaar played brilliantly for the Sharks, making quick decisions at the base of the rucks and keeping the defence honest with some well-timed runs.Sharks' winger JP Pietersen also had an outstanding game, constantly chasing kicks, hounding Bulls' players returning kicks and also scoring a try off an intercepted pass.

No. 8 Pierre Spies scored the Bulls' first try on the end of a brilliant offload from captain Victor Matfield. Matfield had earlier opted not to take an early shot at goal into a headwind, instead taking the line-out which ultimately led to Spies' try.