The expertise of the Sharks proved to be too a lot for the youthful exuberance of the Lions of their United Rugby Championship (URC) conflict in Durban on Friday evening, with the hosts operating away with a giant 37-10 bonus level win.
The Sharks fielded eight present and former Springboks of their match 23, in addition to numerous latest SA A gamers, whereas the Lions solely had former Springbok Jaco Kriel on their bench, in addition to latest SA A gamers Sanele Nohamba and Gianni Lombard of their match 23.
When quizzed whether or not he thought the expertise between the 2 sides performed a giant half in how the match turned out, Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen agreed, saying that the Bok gamers confirmed their class.
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“Their experience definitely made a difference. I think the guys could feel like they played against 10 internationals tonight. To have someone of the quality of (Springbok captain) Siya (Kolisi) coming off the bench and making a massive impact was big for them,” mentioned Van Rooyen.
“Jaden (Hendrikse) made a massive impact (off the bench), (Makazole) Mapimpi showed his class again tonight. So you could definitely say that their experience played a big part in how they controlled the momentum of the game.”
Strong win
The Lions were properly within the sport at half-time, trailing 12-7, and had an opportunity to chop the deficit to only two factors with the rating 15-10 within the 51st minute, solely for flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse to overlook the penalty.
The Sharks then kicked into excessive gear and ran in 22 factors within the remaining 25 minutes to energy away for a powerful win ultimately.
“I think we managed to get the momentum and pressure back on to our side in the last 10 minutes before halftime, and our kicking game was much better in the latter part of the first half,” mentioned Van Rooyen.
“Unfortunately there was a few 15 minute interval within the second half the place we actually let ourselves down. I feel the cost down (strive) was a significant second within the change of momentum after which with the quick kick-off they managed to attain once more.
“In the end it looks like we lost the physical and kicking battles. But for 60 to 65 minutes, even though the scoreboard didn’t show it, I think we were right in the game. So we are obviously disappointed with that. But it was a good physical South African derby.”
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