Lions make a big statement against Sharks
MATCH REPORT: The Lions produced a sublime performance and bounced back in style, beating the Sharks 38-14 in the United Rugby Championship Round 12 match at Ellis Park.
Fresh from a defeat to the Bulls, the Lions’ incredible defence and powerful forwards steered them to a bonus-point win over the Sharks.
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They dominated the men from Durban and outscored them six tries to two.
The win pushed the Lions to eighth on the URC table with 28 log points
The defeat is a setback for the Sharks, who are holding on to fourth spot with 34 points.
It was not the start the Sharks wanted. A botched kick-off by Siya Masuku set the tone for the visitors, who were on the back foot for most of the 80 minutes.
On the other hand, the Lions had an amazing start, rushing to a 19-0 lead at the break.
Excellent kicking by Morne van den Berg got the Lions in the right areas and after some strong carries by the forwards, hooker PJ Botha powered over the line for the hosts.
Lions’ flyhalf Gianni Lombard added the easy conversion for the 7-0 lead.
The Lions scored their second try as the rain poured down.
Starting from a successful line-out, the hosts kept it tight before captain Franke Horne dived over from close range.
Lombard added the extra two points with a successful conversion.
However, minutes later the flyhalf missed his first kick of the match as he pushed a penalty wide.
It got more challenging for the Sharks when they went down 14 men after Ntuthuko Mchunu was handed a yellow card.
With a numerical advantage, the Lions continued their dominance.
Ruben Schoeman thought he scored the Lions’ third try, but a knock-on in the build-up halted his efforts.
The host eventually got try number three when a nice inside ball from Van der Berg found Edwill van der Merwe, who made a perfect linebreak for the try.
Lombard missed the kick, but his side delivered an almost perfect stanza for their 19-0 lead at the break.
The Lions were first on the scoreboard in the second half. After a series of carries, wing Richard Kriel went over in the corner for the bonus point.
The Sharks’ discipline continued to be their downfall. They conceded multiple penalties, which made it difficult to gain momentum.
Springbok Grant Williams was introduced from the bench and the Durban side finally had some possession in the Lions’ half.
They created a chance but some great defence by the Lions kept them at bay.
On the hour mark, the Lions bagged their fifth try courtesy of replacement Jarod Cairns.
The Lions were oozing with confidence, showing some amazing skills before Lombard extended the lead with a try.
Lombard converted his own try for the 38-0 lead.
The flyhalf was handed a yellow card in the closing stages which opened the door for Sharks’ Ethan Hooker, who scored the visitors’ first try in the 76th minute.
Jordan Hendrikse converted for the full seven points.
Siya Kolisi also got his name on the board.
However, it was a little bit too late as the Lions secured the emphatic victory.
Player of the match: There were loads of standouts for the Lions and the forwards were in fine form, setting the perfect platform for the backs. Gianni Lombard deserves a mention for his efforts, while in defence Manuel Rass stood out. However, our nod goes to Morne van den Berg. The scrumhalf dictated the play well and set up two tries.
The scorers:
For Lions:
Tries: Botha, Horne, Van der Merwe, Kriel, Cairns, Lombard
Cons: Lombard 4
For Sharks:
Tries: Hooker, Kolisi
Cons: Jordan Hendrikse 2
Yellow cards: Ntuthuko Mchunu (Sharks, 33 – cynical foul), Jurenzo Julius (Sharks, 61 – cynical foul), Gianni Lombard (Lions, 76 – repeated infringement)
Teams
Lions: 15 Tapiwa Mafura, 14 Richard Kriel, 13 Manuel Rass, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Gianni Lombard, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn (captain), 7 Ruan Venter, 6 JC Pretorius, 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Juan Schoeman.
Replacements: 16 Jaco Visagie, 17 SJ Kotze, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 Ruan Delport, 20 Sibabalo Qoma, 21 Nico Steyn, 22 Jarod Cairns, 23 Rynhardt Jonker.
Sharks: 15 Jordan Hendrikse, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka (captain), 6 Tinotenda Mavesere, 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Deon Slabbert, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Replacements: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Lappies Labuschagne, 20 Siya Kolisi, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Francois Venter, 23 Eduan Keyter
Referee: Christopher Allison (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Stephen Geldenhuys (South Africa), Hanru van Rooyen (South Africa)
TMO: Quinton Immelman (South Africa)
United Rugby Championship
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