The result marks a strong start to a crucial six-match home run for the Lions and will do wonders for their confidence ahead of next weekend’s clash against the Stormers. Importantly, it also narrows the gap between themselves and the Durban outfit to just one point in the race for the SA Shield.

The Lions now sit seventh on the overall standings with 29 points, making them the second-highest placed South African side. 

The Stormers occupy third position on 36 points, while the Bulls are eighth on 25 points with a game in hand. The Sharks, meanwhile, slipped to 10th place on 24 points.

Morné van den Berg. Photo: SA Rugby

The hosts made an early statement, with Chris Smith opening the scoring via a penalty in the third minute. The Sharks responded through hooker Fez Mbatha, who crossed for a try eleven minutes later, with Siya Masuku adding the extras to give the visitors a 7–3 lead.

Smith added a second penalty soon after, before the Lions seized control of the match. Springboks Asenathi Ntlabakanye and Morné van den Berg both crossed the whitewash in quick succession during a period where the Sharks were reduced to 14 men following a yellow card to Jaden Hendrikse. 

That burst handed the home side a commanding 20–7 advantage. A late yellow card to Bronson Mills just before half-time allowed Masuku to slot a penalty, trimming the deficit to 20–10 at the break.

The second half saw both sides squander promising opportunities, but the Lions struck again early despite being a man down. Sustained pressure paid off as Sibabale Mahashe powered over three minutes after the restart, with Smith converting to stretch the lead to 27–10.

The Sharks hit back through Tino Mavesere, but the Lions responded almost immediately, with Ruan Venter crashing over to secure the bonus point and maintain control of proceedings.

The closing stages were played at a frantic pace. The Lions were dealt another blow when Franco Marais was shown a yellow card, giving the Sharks a late surge of momentum. 

Jurenzo Julius dotted down for the visitors’ third try, but it proved too little, too late as the Lions held firm to seal a valuable victory.

Etienne Oosthuizen. Photo: SA Rugby

The URC resumes with a full round of fixtures next weekend, with the Lions hosting the Stormers in Johannesburg, while the Sharks travel to Pretoria to face the Bulls.

Scorers:

Lions: Tries – Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Morné van den Berg, Sibabale Mahashe, Ruan Venter Conv. –  Chris Smith 4 Pen. – Smith 2

Sharks:  Tries – Fez Mbatha, Tino Mavesere, Jurenzo Julius Conv. –  Siya Masuku, Jordan Hendrikse  Pen. – Masuku

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg