In an excellent advertisement for South African rugby, the Lions had to pull out all the stops to edge a revitalised Sharks team 34-29 at Ellis Park on Saturday evening in a pulsating Super Rugby clash.
The Lions eventually outscored the Sharks, who lead 16-13 at the break, by three tries to two but it took a 77th minute try from Lions flanker Jaco Kriel to seal the deal.
Who was the star of this match?
Lions flanker Jaco Kriel did not only score a crucial try three minutes from time but his work-rate was incredible. He was the Lions’ key player at the breakdown and eventually subdued the Du Preez twins, Jean-Luc and Daniel, who put huge pressure on the home side in the first half.
Key moments and themes
Point scorers
Lions – Tries: Malcolm Marx, Courtnall Skosan, Jaco Kriel. Conversions: Elton Jantjies (2). Penalties: Jantjies (4). Drop goal: Andries Coetzee.
Sharks – Tries: Coenie Oosthuizen, Kobus van Wyk. Conversions: Curwin Bosch (2). Penalties: Bosch (4). Drop goal: Bosch.
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