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A lop-sided clash between the two South African teams saw the Lions far too strong in the end. They played similarly to the Reds earlier in the weekend, but were able to keep playing until the end – they never shut up shop.
The Sharks on the otherhand put in a rather ordinary performance at home. Multiple errors and missed tackles, along with an arguably poor set-piece contributed to the lop-sided scoreline.
The Lions moved well in attack and really applied the pressure from the start, camping themselves in the territory of the Sharks and holding the majority of the possession.
Final score
Sharks 9
Lions 24
In what will be an intriguing clash, the Sharks take on the Lions in Durban. With both teams vying for top spot in the same pool, the result of this fixture will go a long way in determining the final standings. Join The Roar from 1:05am (AEST) for live scores and blog of this crucial clash.
Over time this match-up has become closer and closer. The Sharks have won nine of the last 12 clashes between these two teams, however, the Lions triumphed 23-21 when they last met.
After a bye this week, Sharks coach Gary Gold has named a solitary change to the side that lost to the Crusaders in Christchurch on March 27th. A neck injury suffered by No.8 Philip van der Walt in that exact game has yet to heal, hence Daniel du Preez has made his way into the starting line-up.
Former South African international Keegan Daniel takes van der Walt’s place on the reserves bench.
Gold has been very respectful of how difficult the Lions can be to play away from home, and hasn’t played down the possibility of the Sharks being upset on their own turf.
“This is going to be an incredibly tough fixture, made even tougher by the fact that the Lions are in our pool”, coach Gold stated.
“They are a fantastic team and we have a huge amount of respect for them. We know how good they are with ball in hand and the questions they ask on defence”.
Gold added: “It is important for us to perform well before we go on tour, which will set the tone for a tough, yet exciting, three weak assignment in New Zealand”.
The Sharks’ competition rivals, the Lions, have made two changes as their coach Johan Ackermann alludes to how rotation is key in establishing a good foundation for his team going forward.
“Both these inclusions are part of the rotational system that we have in place to manage the big squad of players in a very long Super Rugby competition”, Ackermann said.
These new inclusions see a first start of the season handed to Ross Cronje, replacing Francois de Klerk after recovering from injury, while inside centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg takes the place of Howard Mnisi in the starting 15 for this hit-out.
The Sharks will have to be wary of a spirited Lions outfit who have excelled away from home, winning three and drawing one of their last five matches outside of Johannesburg.
Prediction
In a tight affair, the Sharks should be a little bit stronger having come off the bye and the fact they are playing at home.
Sharks by 3.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.