The Lions beat the Sharks 27-10 at King’s Park on Saturday to secure top place in the Super Rugby standings and secure home advantage if they reach next month’s final.
They will now play the Sharks again, but at home at Ellis Park in next Saturday’s quarter-final and by virtue of top place in the overall log at the end of 17 weeks of the group phase are guaranteed to play at home if they advance further to the semi-finals and final.
The Lions, runners-up in last year’s competition, outscored the Sharks by three tries to one after a slow start with Springboks Malcolm Marx and Andries Coetzee going over to ensure a 13-10 halftime lead and captain Jaco Kriel adding one in the second half.
“It’s an amazing feeling to be top of the log. We’ve taken it week by week,” Kriel said.
Lions fly half Elton Jantjies slotted four penalties but made the error that led to the Sharks’ only try when his 25m drop out was short and went straight into the hands of Sharks wing Kobus van Wyk, who had the pace to beat a surprised Lions defence for an easy score.
Sharks fly half Garth April opened the scoring with a 10th minute penalty and also added a conversion.
Defeat for the Durban team proved fortuitous as it meant they avoided a lengthy trip to New Zealand to face the Crusaders, who now host the Highlanders instead in a South Island derby in the last eight.
The Lions finished ahead of the Crusaders, who lost their unbeaten record away against the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday to allow the Lions to leapfrog them and finish two points ahead. Both sides won 14 of their 15 group games.
Clyde
Guest
So in 2016 the Lions play all the strong kiwi teams and end 2nd on the overall log not having the luxury of playing weak aussie teams.. this year they finish 1st on the log in the reverse fixture list.
Tommy
Guest
Jeff I don't watch Games that Australia super teams play! its boring. Mate you no the out come! Why would I sit there an watch men dropping the ball sorry no thanks.
Brent Horstor
Guest
Nice fedora, m'lady
Jeffrey
Guest
When did SA teams ever dominate Super rugby? 2007 was the only year I can remember and that was the year Henry pulled out the Abs from the comp You are funny though.
Brent Horstor
Guest
Think the Lions proved last year that they can certainly hang with the big boys from the island nation... they beat all but the Hurricanes, and convincingly too.
Brent Horstor
Guest
Funny that this conference system was actually put in place to stop the South African teams from dominating Super Rugby. Now it has come back to bite the Anzacs. The Lions should just volunteer to step out of the competition now, they need to cuck themselves to appease the sour kiwis, because even if they win, they still won't be champions according to the kiwis. Shame guys, you must be hating teams that are called Lions, first you get denied for 12 years, then you get topped on the super rugby table. Oh shame, go have a cry.
Highlander
Guest
The Lions will be pretty tough to beat from here, they are a quality side and the rails run home. No amount of continued bleating about the conference system on here is going to change it. If they weren't a good side I would get it, but they are quality.
Jeffrey
Guest
I agree that if they win it, then they obviously have the right to be called champions. But nobody takes this comp seriously anyone. This Friday is case in point, in which universe do the Brumbies deserve to be in the finals, let alone hosting it. It's sad for the Lions as well as many will question their victory if it were to happen. And it's unfair on them, as they may have very well been the best team in the comp and won even under the old Super 12 system. But the question mark will always be there. The only good news is I don't think this will last much longer, especially with talks that even the Sharks are thinking about leaving. The end of Super Rugby is nigh....hopefully.
taylorman
Guest
Four actually, three in jburg, two were the knockouts.
Bakkies
Guest
They won at least 5 games against the Kiwi teams last year with the same group of players and coaching staff
taylorman
Guest
That's what they said about them other Lions?
Bakkies
Guest
Tman they have learnt how to defend this year and adapted as teams were going to work them out eventually
cookie
Roar Guru
It's Actually possible an Australian team may win the competition ..??????????????????????
Fox
Roar Guru
They will struggle to even make the final unless the ref intervenes
Well it doesn't really matter wether they fully deserve to win it, partially deserve to win it or not at all. If they win they win. When I moaned and complained about the farcical conference system when it was originally announced I was told it isn't supposed to be fair. Well there you have it.
Jeffrey
Guest
No, it's a flawed Conference system. No objective person wold say they totally deserve to win it.
Pickett
Guest
I hope the Transvaal Lions win the whole darn thing. Good on 'em and their great coach.
Baylion
Roar Rookie
I think the Lions is a better team this year than last year. They play a more balanced and deliberate game and have improved their defence, much less helter skelter stuff. Their performances against the Aussie and Africa 1 sides (the teams the Kiwis played) are on par with those of the Kiwis. They will, however, have to adjust very early in a match to the higher intensity that the Kiwi sides play with and not allow the Kiwi opponents to get too big a head start
taylorman
Guest
Yes we knew all this was going to happen last year. Lions are probably not as strong as last year as last years team would have swept this years opposition much easier.
taylorman
Guest
Not really, we'll have something to blame it on. 'Lions got lucky because..."?