Lions still on the winning path
Emirates Lions secured a nail biting win at home against the Jaguares.
The Vodacom SuperRugby sides played over the weekend, which saw some exciting results.
On April 21, two wins for the local franchise teams, Southern Kings and Emirates Lions, were meaningful in the competition. Deon Davids’ brave Southern Kings side overturned their 17-7 halftime deficit to edge the Waratahs 26-24 in Sydney to finish their Australian visit on a winning note. The Kings played very well in the second half.
Springbok pivot Elton Jantjies kicked the winning penalty to complete the Emirates Lions’ 24-21 fightback against the Jaguares after both sides scored three tries apiece in their tough Friday evening tussle on the Highveld.
Following the latest round of action, the Emirates Lions are the leading local team in terms of league points. The Africa Conference 2 leaders have collected 32 points from their eight games played so far, eight more than the second-placed Cell C Sharks.
Springbok midfielder Jesse Kriel scored the winning try close to the end of the game to seal a dramatic 20-14 comeback win for the Vodacom Bulls over the Toyota Cheetahs in their tense local derby on Saturday evening in Pretoria.
Kriel’s try secured a crucial win for his team, who have registered consecutive wins for the first time this season, following their success over the Jaguares last weekend. The Bulls rallied to win this Vodacom Super Rugby round-nine game after trailing for most of the match.
The Cell C Sharks could only manage a frustrating 9-9 draw with the Melbourne Rebels in the late fixture in Durban. Earlier in the day the DHL Stormers stumbled to a disappointing 57-24 loss to the unbeaten Crusaders in Christchurch.
The Stormers are leading the Africa Conference 1 standings on 26 points. They are followed by the Vodacom Bulls on 13.
Johan Ackermann’s team side now travels to Perth on Sunday without Springbok flank Jaco Kriel, who will stay behind as a result of the knee injury he suffered against the Jaguares. They face the Force, Rebels and Brumbies on their three-match tour of Australia.
Meanwhile, Loftus Versfeld continues to be an unhappy hunting ground for the team from Bloemfontein, where the Free State outfit has managed just one win in their last nine visits to Pretoria. Midfielder Kriel completed a slick counter-attack to clinch the game. However, the hosts first had to pull off a desperate try-saving tackle to stop Raymond Rhule from snatching the game.
Cell C Sharks flyhalf Curwin Bosch and Melbourne Rebels fullback Reece Hodge slotted three penalties each in Durban, where both teams were reduced to 14 men. The hosts lost centre Andre Esterhuizen for a dangerous tackle in the 17th minute, while Rebels skipper Nic Stirzaker was sent off towards the end for a second bookable offence.
Other Round 9 results are:
April 21
Hurricanes 56, Brumbies 21
April 22
Highlanders 40, Sunwolves 15
Force 7, Chiefs 16
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
Add us on WhatsApp today! Alberton Record: 060 644 5264 Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.
