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The Lions will host the Sharks in Round 1 of the new Super Rugby season. Join The Roar for live scores of the match, beginning at 2:15am (AEDT).
Both teams finished the 2017 season strongly, with appearances in the finals series. The sides met in the quarter-final, where the Lions narrowly eliminated the Sharks 23-21. The Lions then went on to lose to the Crusaders in the grand final 25-17.
The Lions will be looking to put their grand final loss behind them by beginning the new year on the right track. After losing the past two Super Rugby grand finals, the Lions will be hoping this season is a case of third time lucky.
The Lions head into the 2018 season in good shape, and expecting good results. Apart from the unfortunate departure of coach Johan Ackermann, the team has largely remained intact.
It remains to be seen whether or not this team has enough to get over the final hurdle this year, but a win in Sunday’s opener against the Sharks should set the tone for the season.
The Sharks will be looking to avenge their 2017 quarter-final loss to the Lions by defeating them in their own backyard. Returning to the site of their heartbreaking loss, emotions will certainly be stirring in the Sharks camp.
The Sharks also head into the 2018 season in good shape after undertaking a strong recruitment drive. After falling short last season, the aggressive recruitment of a number of players suggests the Sharks believe they have the team to improve.
The Sharks have lost a talented halves pairing in Pat Lambie and Cobus Reinach, although, the recruitment of talented flyhalf Rob du Perez should ease those woes.
Both teams are entering the fixture with considerable momentum, after winning all preseason fixtures.
Prediction
Without much to go on since the 2017 season concluded, the prediction here is that the Lions will win. The team had a much stronger 2017 campaign than the Sharks did and with a largely unchanged roster, they should prevail here. The Lions are also at home, which is a nice advantage to have.
Lions to win 24-14.
Join The Roar For live scores of the match between the Lions and the Sharks, starting from 2:15am (AEDT).
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.