Lions dominate lacklustre Sharks in wet and scrappy URC derby

The hosts dominated proceedings from the outset, establishing a commanding lead early on and never looking back, despite a late flurry of points from the visitors.

The Lions wasted no time imposing themselves on the match, capitalizing on a turnover to open the scoring in the 6th minute through hooker PJ Botha. Jordan Hendrikse converted, setting the tone for what would be a difficult afternoon for the Sharks.

Eight minutes later, No. 8 Francke Horn bulldozed his way over the line for the Lions' second try, further extending their lead.

The Sharks struggled to gain momentum in the increasingly heavy rain, with handling errors and scrum penalties stalling their attempts to respond. Their frustrations grew when Edwill van der Merwe sliced through the defense in the 37th minute to score a brilliant solo try. The conversion was missed, but the Lions entered the break with a commanding 19-0 lead.

If the Sharks hoped for a second-half revival, those hopes were quickly dashed when winger Richard Kriel crossed the whitewash just a minute after the restart.

The Sharks had brief moments of attacking promise, especially following the introduction of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi in the 52nd minute, but each time they built momentum, handling errors or turnovers let them down. The Lions, on the other hand, remained relentless, with their powerful pack and tactical kicking keeping the visitors pinned in their own half.

Further tries from Jaron Cairns (61') and Gianni Lombard (71'), along with a conversion from Ruan Jonker, took the score to 38-0, sealing the contest before the final whistle.

As the Lions finished the game with 14 men following a yellow card to Lombard, the Sharks finally found some rhythm in the closing moments. They managed to breach the Lions' defense twice in quick succession, with Ethan Hooker barging over in the 79th minute before Kolisi added a second try moments later. Both were converted by Hendrikse, ensuring the visitors at least finished with some respectability on the scoreboard.

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