Six-try Lions rout Sharks

Flyhalf Gianni Lombard starred with the boot and ball for the Lions in their six-try bonus-point win against the Sharks at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Lombard scored six points from the tee, before finishing off a superb team move in the fourth quarter to score under the posts as the Lions raced to a 38-14 URC derby victory, making it three wins in a row against the Sharks.

The Lions created good chances in possession despite adverse weather conditions in Johannesburg, scoring three first-half tries through veteran hooker PJ Botha, captain Francke Horn and Springbok speedster Edwill van der Merwe, taking a respectable 19-0 lead into the break.

Sharks prop Ntuthuko Mchunu was sent to the sin bin in the dying moments of the second quarter, after the loosehead cynically collapsed a red zone maul.

In the second half, the Lions kept their momentum with a ruthless kicking game and relentless defensive line trapping the Sharks deep in their own half. Sharks centre Jurenzo Julius was shown a yellow card after an offside run stopped a Lions attack. Lombard’s late try was complemented by winger Richard Kriel and replacement flanker Jarod Cairns.

For the Sharks, Ethan Hooker and Siya Kolisi crossed the whitewash in the final two minutes, capitalising on the numerical advantage after Lombard was sent to the sin bin. Fullback Jordan Hendrikse converted both to give the visitors a more respectable score line.

The result closed the gap between the Sharks and Lions to six points on the table, and the Lions will be eager to cut it to one point next week when the teams meet again at Kings Park.