The Lions may be looking to finish the Super Rugby round-robin top of the log when they take on a formidable Sharks side away at Kings Park. Join us at The Roar for live scores and a blog at 1:15am AEST.
Despite the fact that the Lions’ top spot finish is dependent on whether the Crusaders win or lose against the Hurricanes away from home, coach Ackermann will be adamant that his team is solely focused on the game against the Sharks.
The Sharks lost to the Lions 29-34 in the first half of the season at Ellis Park, and will be despearet to avenge their loss.
Robert du Preez has made a surprise change by dropping youngster Curwin Bosch to bench. He is replaced by Springbok Lwazi Mvovo who comes in at fullback. Garth April will lead the attack at flyhalf.
The visitors are no doubt the best SA rugby franchise in the last two years. They have managed to replicate last year’s form, and looking even better this year.
The Joburg side welcome the return of Springbok center Rohan Janse van Rensburg who coming off the bench after having been out injured. Coach Ackerman will be pleased with this good news ahead of the playoffs.
The Lions aim to continue the momentum and dominance by fielding the same team that thrashed the Sunwolves 94-7. There is no doubt that they out-class the Sharks outfit.
Prediction
The Lions have defeated the Sharks in their last four encounters. The Lions have now won 11 games in a row and have scored an insane 199 points in their last three games. It could get brutal, but the Lions will prove to be too strong for the home side and should get the W by 16 points.
andrewM
Guest
lonely night at the Office Vusi?
Baylion
Roar Rookie
Thanks Vusi
Vusi Gubeni
Roar Guru
The Lions proved to be a too strong an outfit beating the Sharks 10-27, and securing the top of the Super Rugby combined log. The Sharks couldn't play the full 80 minutes making too many errors against a clinical side.
Vusi Gubeni
Roar Guru
Sharks are penalized for being offside. Lions opt for a penalty to end the game. Jantjies converts. Final score: Sharks 10-27 Lions
Vusi Gubeni
Roar Guru
Lwazi Mvovo knocks the ball for the Sharks. The home side seem to have butter fingers today. Lions scrum.
Vusi Gubeni
Roar Guru
Sharks have a lineout in Lions 22m after the visitors were penalized for coming in the ruck from the side.
Vusi Gubeni
Roar Guru
66' The Sharks knock the ball on again. They can't seem to be getting it right on attack.
Vusi Gubeni
Roar Guru
What a brilliant line break by Ross Cronje to set up a great attacking platform for the Lions and captain Kriel gets an easy run in in the corner. Jantjies misses the conversion. Sharks 10-24 Lions.
Vusi Gubeni
Roar Guru
The Lions knock the ball on on the Sharks 22m. Sharks scrum.
Vusi Gubeni
Roar Guru
The Sharks are penalized ffor hands in the ruck. Lions opt for lineout on 50m.
Vusi Gubeni
Roar Guru
Great passage of rugby by the Lions but Coetzee makes a rare passing error which resulted in the ball going out of play. Sharks have a lineout.
Vusi Gubeni
Roar Guru
Lions have the scrum feed.
Vusi Gubeni
Roar Guru
Easy penalty by Jantjies to extend Lions lead to 10-19
Vusi Gubeni
Roar Guru
Brilliant offloading by the Lions for Andries Coetzee to complete the brilliant play. Janjties misses the conversion. Sharks 10-13 Lions
Vusi Gubeni
Roar Guru
Lions have a scrum in their half with seconds remaining.
Vusi Gubeni
Roar Guru
Shocking 22m restart by Jantjies, gifting the ball to van Wyk who catches the ball and scores. April converts. Sharks 10-8 Lions
Vusi Gubeni
Roar Guru
Janjties lands his kick. Sharks 3-8 Lions.
Vusi Gubeni
Roar Guru
34' Sharks are penalized for hands in the ruck.
Vusi Gubeni
Roar Guru
Ryan Combrinck knocks the ball on for the second time in the game. He won't be pleased with himself.
Vusi Gubeni
Roar Guru
Great counter scrum by the Sharks to win a penalty.