Avatar photo

By Carina Koen

Journalist


The Lions’ top spot is in jeopardy

A win for the Jaguares in Pretoria and a victory over the Sharks in Durban next weekend would mean they would end as the SA Conference winners.


The Lions’ Super Rugby defeat to the Sharks last weekend may have put their destiny beyond their control.

The Lions lead the South African Conference with 41 points – three ahead of the Jaguares and nine ahead of the Sharks. However, the Lions, who have played an extra game, have a bye this weekend and will be watching the Bulls against Jaguares fixture at Loftus this afternoon with keen interest.

A win for the Jaguares in Pretoria and a victory over the Sharks in Durban next weekend would mean they would end as the SA Conference winners and be guaranteed a home quarterfinal. That scenario would leave the Lions fighting it out for a wildcard spot and probably a trip to New Zealand to face one of the in-form Kiwi outfits.

However, should the Jaguares lose one of their remaining two fixtures and the Lions take the points against the Bulls at Ellis Park next weekend, it would mean they are still in the running to top the local conference and host a semifinal.

The Sharks are not completely out of it, as victories over the Stormers in Cape Town today and the Jaguares next week could mean they slip in the back door.

Should make for an interesting two weeks of rugby.

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.

Read more on these topics

editorial lions

For more news your way

Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.