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.
Charging Rhino
Roar Guru
Bummer. Hopefully the Sharks can pull it together for the NZ tour.
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Sharks - 9 Lions - 24 A lop-sided clash between the two South African teams. The Lions were 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. Hope you enjoyed the coverage and see you next week!
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
'81 - As the full time siren sounds, the Lions receive a penalty and have the option to kick it out for a lineout. Jantjies comes forward, takes the kick but kicks it dead. The Sharks then have the option to get a try on the board with the start of an attack within their own territory.
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
'76 - Jantjies attempts a wild field goal attempt from way out that goes no where close to going over. Nothing really doing for either team, mistakes from both sides but also some excellent defence.
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
''68 - Soon after that eventuated, the Sharks give away a penalty because of ill-discipline and Jantjies is able to just nudge the ball inside the post. Sharks - 9 Lions - 24
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
'65 - A penalty goes the way of the Sharks. They haven't been able to establish momentum throughout this fixture because of this reason, specifically at scrum time but they get one there! Sharks looking to advance their way upfield and to get something happening.
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
Mnisi on, Janse van Rensburg off (LIO)
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
Fourie on, Smith off (LIO) Van der Merwe on, Marx off (LIO)
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
'61 - The Lions make a mess of a scrum they got off the back of the lineout. The ball flies out the back and Reinach pounces on it.
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
'58 - Penalty going the way of the Lions after JP Pietersen gave away a relieving one for a high shot. This pushes the Lions deep into the territory of the Sharks. Sharks have a lineout 15m out from the Sharks' line. de Klerk on, Cronje off (LIO) Cooper on, Marais off (SHA)
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
Scrum for the Lions 5m out from their own try-line.
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
'54 - Incredible defence from the Lions, again holding the Sharks player up when they hit the defensive line causing a maul. Le Roux getting himself more involved in the game and it's looking more promising for the Sharks. Brink on, Kriel off (LIO)
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
April on, Pietersen off (SHA)
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
'52 - The Lions get the penalty at the scrum for the Sharks not pushing straight. They opt to kick for touch and find it for a lineout just in Sharks' territory.
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
'49 - The Lions force the Sharks into a mistake. 10 phases of nothing from the Sharks because of that defence, all topped off by a knock-on. Scrum to the Lions just on their side of halfway.
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
'45 - Sharks struggled to get out of their own 22 of the restart and the Lions capitalised one this. They went to the line on attack and received the penalty for the Sharks slowing the ball down. Jantjies adds another three points. Sharks - 9 Lions - 21
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
'42 - Good start from the Sharks. Delicate kick in behind the Lions defensive line to force a rushed clearing kick from Cronje. Sharks have a lineout on the Lions 22. Soon after, they get a penalty as the Lions player was playing the ball on the ground. Pietersen opens the scoring in the second half. Sharks - 9 Lions - 18
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
Second half about to get underway.
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
HALFTIME Sharks - 6 Lions - 18 The Lions have looked dominant and dangerous in the first half. They're applied significant pressure by keeping the play in Sharks territory and have also smashed the scrum, getting the early penalties. Overall, there is just more go-forward from the visitors and the Sharks have made a fair few mistakes - gifting position to the Lions. The Lions are looking really good and look set to potentially run away with this one in the second half.
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
'41 - First scrum penalty going the way of the Sharks in this match. Great confidence boost for them heading into the second half. Pietersen, being in kicking range, has the chance to add another three points...and does! Sharks - 6 Lions - 18