The log-leading Lions are well placed after three rounds of Super Rugby, while the Sharks are still searching for their first win, writes JON CARDINELLI.
The Lions thumped the Bulls 49-35 at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. In doing so, they strengthened their position at the top of the South African conference log and the overall standings.
The Lions currently lead the next-best South African side, the Stormers, by as many as nine log points. They are four points ahead of the Crusaders and the Rebels – who have only played two games apiece – in the overall standings.
Swys de Bruin’s charges will host the Blues at Ellis Park next week. They must be favourites to tame an inconsistent Blues side on the highveld. They should target a fourth consecutive win before they journey to Argentina to battle the Jaguares. The latter game has proved to be a challenging fixture for the Lions in the past.
REPORT: Lions heavies maul Bulls
The other South African contenders certainly have some catching up to do. The Sharks lost to the Lions in round one, and then slumped to a disappointing 24-24 draw to the Waratahs in round three. They are the worst-placed South African side at this stage, although one needs to remember that they have only played two games.
That said, they will be under pressure to bank a bonus-point win against the Sunwolves in Durban next week. The Sharks will travel to Australasia thereafter for a demanding four-game tour.
The Bulls will depart for Australia with mixed feelings. They beat the Hurricanes in round two, and picked up a bonus point in their recent loss to the Lions. They must fire in the coming tour games against the Reds, Chiefs and Crusaders to stay in the playoff race. It may be easier said than done, though, especially when they visit Hamilton and Christchurch.
REPORT: Sloppy Sharks let it slip
The Stormers were handed another rugby lesson in their 45-28 defeat to the Crusaders. The reigning champions scored seven tries to continue their great run against the Cape side on New Zealand soil.
The Stormers will go into the next match against the Highlanders in Dunedin as underdogs. They picked up a losing bonus point in the defeat to the Waratahs a week ago, and may be targeting another log point in Dunedin. Based on the recent showing in Christchurch, it seems likely that the Stormers will return from tour with three defeats.
REPORT: Crusaders clout Stormers
Photo: Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix
