The Lions host the Cheetahs at Ellis Park Stadium, in Johannesburg. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 1:05 am AEST.
Over the last four years, the Cheetahs and Lions have won three games apiece. Their last battle was Round 1, in Cheetah’s Free State Stadium.
The Lions won that match by a single point via 18 penalty points and a late drop goal. The Cheetahs scored the only two tries, but dropped nine costly penalty points.
Today’s match is a skirmish between the feline teams of Super Rugby to avoid last place in the South African conference. They are safe from the competition wooden spoon, compliments of the Melbourne Rebels.
Just like a good catfight, we may experience lively but untidy action. This season, over 810 points were leaked by the felidae. Over 360 points were scored against 13th placed Lions. Over 450 points were scored against 14th placed Cheetahs.
This match isn’t just about avoiding the South African wooden spoon. Both teams will be hoping that 2014 is a bounce year for next season. The Cheetahs failed to win an away game this year. A triumph in the Lions stadium may be a forerunner to a more successful 2015.
Lions rugby community is 125 years old this year. 2014 is their first year back in Super Rugby, and is a launchpad for a few players.
Both scrumhalf Faf de Klerk and first-five Maritz Boshoff are Nelspruit-born and raised in Blue Bulls country, Pretoria. Captain and eightman Warren Whiteley comes from Sharks territory, Durban. They are impact players today. Coach Ackermann is starting experienced halves pair, Ross Croje and France-bound Elton Jantjies.
Super Rugby’s best frontrow are also outsiders: Schalk van der Merwe was raised in Cheetahs hometown Bloemfontein. Robbie Coetzee is born and bred in Pretoria, along with tighthead prop Julian Redelinghuys.
The Lions lineout can improve, which is probably the only thing stopping them from using ‘Jake-ball’ to win more games. Whiteley and Cheetahs’ Francois Uys will face up in lineouts. Both have steals at eight each. Whiteley will be helped by Lion’s other lineout king, Franco Mostert and the other Franco-lock (van der Merwe), who is moving to Ulster after this game.
The Cheetahs are on a knife-edge. They have among the best outside backs in the business, but their team has the worst ruck win rate. To compound this, their midfield is a source of missed tackles and leaked points. This is a bit like building the Chinese wall with some gaps in Beijing.
62,500 capacity Ellis Park is supposed to be cloudless and below ten degrees. The man in the middle is 30-year-old Capetonian Marius van der Westhuizen. He will be assisted on one side by Johannesburg-born Jaco van Heerden. On the other side the Australian and New Zealand’s favourite referee Stuart Barry. The TMO is Worcester-born Shaun Veldsman.
He played tight head for 80 minutes against France last year, he actually performed well in that match, but since has fallen apart
Nah, it wasn't small moments, it was sending a B team to beat the Cheetahs, having a poor start against the Stromers and having and eye on the tour when playing the Highlanders.
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Roar Guru
Not such a great outcome for the Sharks though Mr.G. I reckon the Sharks would prefer to fly to NZ and then Oz for 2 games as opposed to NZ and then back to SA. Jetag would be massive.
Magic Sponge
Guest
Thank you Sharks, Crusaders and Tahs for converting $95 worth of bets to $2k
Mr.G
Roar Rookie
If Tahs and Saders lose (meaning Sharks win), final in Durban. Highest ranked SF winner hosts the final.
Mr.G
Roar Rookie
Would've been interesting to see what might have been if Zeilinga started at 10. Small margins cost us a home semi- brainfart in the last few minutes against Stormers at KP, then Hoffmann ending advantage when we looked set to get a draw against the Cheetahs, I can see us spanking the Highlanders next week, but think the Crusaders will not slip up again in Ch Ch.
James
Guest
will Ben Smith be available next week? Highlanders only chance next week
Paul
Guest
Sharks 34 Stormers 10. Hallow victory for the Sharks Next Week Tahs and Saders week off. Sharks vs Highlanders -winner vs Crusaders at home Chiefs vs Brumbies-winner vs Tahs at home Winner of semi final host the the final unless the no. 1 playoff team loses then then the no. 2 will host the final?What happens if the Tahs and Saders lose thier games? Can someone confirm this?. I can never get the playoff format based on rankings since the conference system started
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Roar Guru
I think the Sharks should have backed themselves to win by 35. During the second half they seemed happy to just defend.
Mr.G
Roar Rookie
Not a good idea to take on Thor Vermuelen! JP turns 27 today btw, what a nasty bday present.
Mr.G
Roar Rookie
Peyper should've referred the Carr try to the TMO. I saw no clear evidence of grounding.
Mr.G
Roar Rookie
Where were these Cheetahs against the Sharks last weekend? :(
Harry Jones
Guest
JPP was knocked out, no?
Bakkies
Guest
It's in the head mentally. Remember the 2007 Final Sharks had the lead with a minute or so on the clock Steyn booted it straight back to the Bulls rather than in to the stands. Rest is history. He is doing it again today.
They've only been coached by Jake for one season, so I don't think it has any bearing on their history ;)
Yep, it is tagicakibau (spelling?)
Bakkies
Guest
Possibly. Explains why they haven't won a title yet. They have to work harder than the teams that have won titles to score tries.
Paul
Guest
Half time Sharks 19 Stormers 10 Just need to score 26 points in the second half and there is a kiwi sounding guy playing for the Stormers at the half time interviews
Harry Jones
Guest
Jordaan has serious pace.
That's Jake White,