A try by the Junior Springbok right at the death sealed a result that lifts the Lions into seventh on the log and gives them a much-needed boost after their narrow pre-Christmas loss to the Stormers. It also completed a season double over the Sharks, following the Joburg side’s comfortable win at Ellis Park earlier in the campaign.

The Lions burst out of the blocks with real intent, attacking with width and pace despite the heavy Durban humidity. Chris Smith opened the scoring with a penalty before Ruan Venter, in devastating early form, sparked the first try with a powerful carry through two tackles. 

The ball was shifted wide to Kelly Mpeku, allowing Etienne Oosthuizen to barge over for the opener.

Haashim Pead ???

Off the bench to win it for the Lions ????#SSRugby | #VURC pic.twitter.com/rTenwDzi3i

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) January 3, 2026

Moments later, Venter popped up in the backline again, delivering a perfectly timed pass for captain Francke Horn to score in the corner as the Lions raced to a 15-0 lead inside 15 minutes, leaving the Sharks shell-shocked.

But the hosts hit back through their forwards, exploiting Lions lineout struggles. A powerful maul set up Emmanuel Tshituka’s try before Siya Kolisi peeled off another maul to dot down and drag the Sharks back into the contest. 

Smith added another penalty to keep the Lions ahead, but momentum swung dramatically when Venter was shown a yellow card – later upgraded to red – for a high tackle on Aphelele Fassi. With a man down, the Lions found themselves under sustained pressure.

Edwill van der Merwe’s pace began to stretch the defence and, after a long-range counter, Jason Jenkins scored to bring the Sharks within a point at the break. Despite replays suggesting Jenkins lost control over the line, the try stood, and the Lions led 18-17 at half-time.

The Sharks thought they had taken control early in the second half when Tshituka crossed again, only for the TMO to spot a knock-on by Kolisi in the build-up. 

They eventually edged ahead on the hour mark when Van der Merwe showed electric speed to beat Angelo Davids and score in the corner, though Jordan Hendrikse’s struggles off the tee proved costly as he converted just one of four attempts.

As the clock ticked down, the Sharks looked set for a third straight win under caretaker coach JP Pietersen. Then came Pead. Introduced sparingly once again, the Junior Bok needed just 15 minutes to underline his value. 

Spotting the smallest of gaps from close range, he pounced to steal the match in dramatic fashion – a reminder that, given opportunity, moments like these may become a regular feature in Lions colours.

Scorers

Sharks: Tries – Emmanuel Tshituka, Siya Kolisi, Jason Jenkins, Edwill van der Merwe Conv – Jordan Hendrikse

Lions: Tries – Etienne Oosthuizen, Francke Horn, Haashim Pead Conv.– Chris Smith Pen. – Smith

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg