Sunwolves
24
79
Lions
37
| H. Parker |  | 78 | ||
| R. Warren-Vosayaco |  | 78 | ||
| 74 | | H. Dayimani | ||
| 68 |  | E. Jantjies | ||
| H. Parker | | 65 | ||
| R. Warren-Vosayaco | | 64 | ||
| 61 | | E. Jantjies | ||
| 60 | | L. Mapoe | ||
| 56 | | E. Jantjies | ||
| 51 | | N. Groom | ||
| H. Parker | | 42 | ||
| 35 | | M. Marx | ||
| 14 | | E. Jantjies | ||
| 12 | | M. Marx | ||
| 6 |
| 3 | Tries | 6 | ||
| 2 | Conversions | 2 | ||
| 1 | Penalty Goals | 1 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
The Sunwolves will play their first game since being informed of a long-range exit from Super Rugby, and could struggle to match it with the fast-improving Lions in Japan. Join The Roar for live scores of the match from 9:55pm (AEDT).
During the week, the bombshell was dropped on the Sunwolves that they wouldn’t be welcome in the competition after the 2020 season comes to an end, and it’ll be interesting to see how the outfit react.
Apart from the fact it’s going to be a long grind over the next season and a half for a franchise who have no future in the premier rugby competition in the southern hemisphere, there may actually be a short-term upswing.
It brings about a situation where they either don’t turn up and get belted, or play with their backs to the wall and put in the best performance they have possibly ever done.
It’s not completely out of the question either, given the Sunwolves are currently putting in their best season to date, and just a few weeks ago snatched their first victory away from home since entering the competition over the Chiefs. The Japanese outfit then backed it up by only falling to the Reds at home by three points.
Of course, taking on the two-time runners-up will be a different challenge altogether though, rather than facing two of the sides who have been at the bottom of the pile so far this season.
The Lions looked like they were way off the money early on after their opening win over the Jaguares, but have since beaten the Jaguares again and the Rebels at home.
A trek on the road might throw a spanner in the works, but with their forwards starting to reach their potential, the Lions will be tough to beat by most teams, let alone the improving, but still battling Sunwolves.
The Lions were helped out greatly by a lack of discipline and insane penalty count against the Rebels last week, but a win is a win no matter the circumstances, and at this point in the season, confidence can prove to be everything.
Prediction
The Lions won’t have it all their own way, but should run away with this match fairly comprehensively during the second half.
Lions by 18.
Be sure to join The Roar for live scores of the match from 9:55pm (AEDT) and don’t forget to get involved throughout the course of the match by adding a comment in the section below.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
I think you missed the point. I am very aware of what teams are endeavouring to do with a rolling maul. While the fascinating point of rugby is that ball remains in contention to be competed for, where else in the laws allows deliberate blocking of the ball carrier, shielding that player by having players in front of him?
Cyril in the middle
Guest
Well done to the Lions under 21's. Some superb tries. Poor Sunwolves, despite all the cacophony about their culling they are just not up to it again this season. Better for the competition. Bring back Super 10!
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Malcolm Marx is a one man team.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Oh well ... now the Moondawgs need to 'travel back home from their home game' ...
78
78
74
68
64
64
Cantab
Guest
You can’t contest it. So you have to stop it and bring the ‘use it or lose it’ rule into place. They guy with the ball can’t push as much as everyone else on the field, so the defence already has a numbers advantage. It only seems so unfair as some teams are so much better at mauling than others.
61
60
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
and soon ....
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Sorry Tony .... your charges might have pace to run the bigger Lions pack around .... but ... err you need the ball first... 22-10 with 22 min to go ...if there are any hopes of an upset victory... the Sunwolves have to be next to score...
56
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
How can a rolling more not be obstruction .. shepherding... I agree with Diggercane that if the ball is carried up front, .... fair enough at least there is 'ongoing' competition for the pill ... but held at the back with 6-7 in front of the ball carrier ... how can their be a fair contest for the ball, how can it not be obstruction???
51
Cantab
Guest
Reds need him even more!
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Mafi on for the Sunwolves after 47 mins .... this is going to be interesting