AUDIO: These Lions are the real deal
The silly error from a restart – after having taken the lead – proved to be very costly for the Lions in a 22-25 loss to the Sharks in a muggy Durban at the weekend.
The Sharks snatched the South African Shield out of the hands of the Stormers with the hard-earned United Rugby Championship win over the Lions.
A Jaden Hendrikse penalty in the 76th minute sealed the win for the Sharks – the replacement scrumhalf taking over the kicking duties from his erratic brother Jordan.
The losing bonus point gave the Lions some consolation – as they moved into the top eight on the standings.
However, they will regret their error count – more than 20 turnovers and 20 missed tackles.
Having trailed 7-17, following a second Siya Kolisi try in the 46th minute, the Lions showed their true grit with tries by wing Richard Kriel and replacement hooker Franco Marais saw them take a 22-17 lead in the 65th minute.
However, from the restart the Lions dropped the ball and two minutes later rookie Nick Hatton went over for the equalising score.
That would prove to be costly turnover as Hendrikse slotted the winner with about four minutes remaining.
Despite the setback, the Lions were good value for pushing a Sharks team – with a Springbok-laden pack – all the way and they are well placed to make a charge for the play-offs.
Sharks coach John Plumtree, pleased as he was with the Shield and strong position on the URC standings, admitted they had to work hard after last week’s humbling loss to the Lions at Ellis Park.
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“They [the Sharks] are a proud bunch,” he said, adding: “Last week our pride got dented by a good team.
“The Lions have arrived on the scene, with their consistency and they are very competitive in all parts of the game now.
“It is a credit to them and their coaches, the way they have gone about their business.”
Plumtree said he was proud of how his team responded to last week’s 14-38 humbling at the hands of the Lions at Ellis Park.
The Lions, eight on the standings, will now turn their focus to Europe.
After a bye week, they hit the roach URC matches against Cardiff (sixth) and defending champions Glasgow Warriors (second).
That is followed by a Challenge Cup Round of 16 encounter with Edinburgh early in April.
Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen, who bemoaned the costly ‘soft moments’ in the game, said the first two games on tour is “vital” for his team’s ambitions.
“A penalty not kicked out or a restart not dealt with [properly] was the difference in the game,” Van Rooyen said of the nailbiting loss in Durban.
“We fielded that kick-off and put it out near halfway, then we could have had a breakdown opportunity for a turnover.”
Van Rooyen said the return of some key Springboks was a factor, but he was proud how his team performed against the hosts in the Shark Tank.
The Lions coach felt the team showed great growth in their run of derby matches – a 22-35 loss to the Bulls, followed by a 30-23 win over the Stormers, 19-31 loss to the Bulls, the 38-14 win over the Sharks and this past weekend’s nailbiter (22-25 loss) in Durban.
“Physically, we moved forward [improved],” he said, adding: “Our work rate has improved immensely.
“When we retain possession our attack can threaten the opposition and our decision-making on defence is better.
“Last week we showed we can exploit [teams] with our kicking game.
“I am frustrated as we are sitting here, but if you take the emotion away, I am excited about where we are.
“Being average for about 20 minutes in this game and losing by only three points to the Shield winners shows the hunger and ambition in the squad.
“We have six URC games left to make it happen for us.
“We have grown in the last month.”
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* Picture credit: Steve Haag sports
United Rugby Championship
Go behind the scenes of both camps during the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa in 2021. Binge watch exclusively on RugbyPass TV now
