Rampant Lions roar again

2019-04-19

The Emirates Lions were in rampant form when they disposed of the Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday morning, leading 20-0 at half-time and finally taking it 23-17.

Amid a week of adversity the team pulled together and showed some of the earlier form they are best known for and in the first half ran the home-side ragged with deft handling and foot skills.

The late decision to push Malcolm Marx and Elton Jantjies into the starting side proved inspired, as the Springbok hooker and flyhalf – playing at No 12 in this clash – had a big influence on the contest.

The star of the show, however, was the man with No 3 on his back. Carlu Sadie put a lot of pressure on opposite number Angus Ta’avo at the scrums, and it was from those resultant penalties that the Lions picked up valuable points and territory.

The collective effort at the set pieces and mauls were outstanding. Marvin Orie and Warren Whiteley stood out at the lineout. A well-executed maul culminated in a try for Sadie in the 35th minute. The Lions finished the half with a flourish. Jantjies fixed two defenders and then found his captain on his outside. Whiteley summed up the situation well, and opted to kick for Aphiwe Dyantyi to chase. The Bok winger collected the loose ball and completed the score. Jantjies converted to see the Lions leading 20-0 at half-time.

The Chiefs made a come-back in the second half with two quick tries but the Lions kept up a strong defense and a drop goal by Jantjies sealed the victory.

Annemie Bester