Johannesburg – Now that’s why the Currie Cup is still South Africa’s favourite competition. It’s exciting, it’s entertaining and boy, is it thrilling!
This was heart-stopping stuff, but after 80 pulsating minutes it was the Lions who just edged this clash, moving them back to second in the standings. Not too many teams have the ability, or will, or skill to cross a Western Province tryline five times, but this Lions team’s something special when they get it right – and when they’re in front of their home fans.
After a tight and closely fought first-half, the Lions simply upped the pace and tempo in the second period and blew Province away. It was the visitors’ first defeat of the competition.
Both teams deserve plenty of credit for the performances they dished up. Sure, there are six other sides involved in this year’s competition, but there is no doubt the Lions and Western Province are the best teams in action and on current form look to be well on their way to the final.
If this match didn’t excite those watching at the stadium or on the couch at home, nothing will. How the stars of tomorrow are coming through this year, and from these two teams in particular. Yes, we know about Cheslin Kolbe – who was again sensational last night – and Kobus van Wyk and Nizaam Carr, but under Johan Ackermann, the Lions, too, are producing a plethora of men making big names for themselves in local rugby.
The two Van der Merwes – loosehead prop Schalk and hooker Armand – were outstanding in all departments, but especially in the loose, where they asked plenty of questions of the visitors’ defence. Armand, full of pace and skill, didn’t only score the match-turning try on 55 minutes, he also played a major part in Jaco Kriel’s try three minutes later which put the Lions nine points ahead.
Also hugely influential was young flyhalf Jaco van der Walt. He not only kicked well out of hand and kept his team on the front foot, his dazzling line-break on the stroke of half-time set up Lionel Mapoe, while he also broke the line in the move that saw Armand van der Merwe score.
There were stars aplenty in the Lions side – Kriel, Willie Britz, Ricky Shroeder and Andries Coetzee also shone – and to think Ackermann has more than eight “first choice” players missing through injury at the moment. It was a stunning performance from the Joburg-based side, one which will have made every other coach in the competition take notice.
What was so impressive of the Lions’ performance is that when the opportunities were there, they took them. They showed a killer-instinct that was missing against the Bulls last week and they were never over-awed by a Province team that, on paper and on form, should not have been troubled.
Ackermann’s men also absorbed plenty of pressure – mainly in the first half and just after the restart – but they stuck to their structures and never showed signs of panic. For such a young side, they showed maturity beyond their years. And how they love it when the game opens up; the Lions had a field-day with all the ball that came their way – and plenty of fun in the latter stages of the second period – but then it’s always fun when you’re on top of the opposition.
Province added to their first half try by Juan de Jongh very late in the game when Justin Geduld and Michael Rhodes went over, giving the visitors a bonus point for finishing within seven of their hosts.
Lions (14) 35
Tries: Schalk van der Merwe, Mapoe, Armand van der Merwe, Kriel, Mostert; Conversions: Combrinck (5)
WP (13) 33
Tries: De Jongh, Geduld, Rhodes; Conversions: Coleman, Kolbe, Catrakilis; Penalties: Coleman (4)