The Sharks and Bulls claimed morale-boosting wins in round seven of Super Rugby, while the Lions slumped to another disappointing defeat, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

After previously managing just one win from five games, the Sharks deserve plenty of plaudits for their 63-40 victory over the Blues in Auckland on Saturday. The Bulls were just as impressive as they clinched a deserved 33-23 win over the Stormers at Loftus.

Those results have suddenly seen the Sharks draw level with the Stormers on 13 log points in the South African conference, while the Lions remain just seven points ahead.

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What was particularly impressive about the Sharks’ victory is the manner in which they finally got their attack firing, and it will ensure they take real confidence into Friday’s clash against the Hurricanes.

The Bulls will also be quite rightly buoyed by the manner in which they bounced back from a winless overseas tour to ultimately overpower the Stormers.

Although it’s just a second win of the season for the Bulls – and they still remain second bottom in the SA conference – it should not detract from a result that will serve as the perfect tonic ahead of this weekend’s bye.

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Unfortunately, proceedings are only going from bad to worse for the Lions, with the Johannesburg-based side having rather meekly succumbed to a 14-8 loss to the Crusaders on Easter Sunday.

There aren’t many games at Ellis Park where the Lions are only able to muster a solitary try, and it speaks volumes about a side that is battling with a crisis of confidence following three losses from their last four games.

The Lions are still clinging onto second place on the overall standings, but it’s only increased the pressure on last year’s runners-up as they head towards Saturday’s encounter against the Stormers, who will also be desperate for a positive result.

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Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix