Overview
- The Lions burst to a 15–0 lead inside nine minutes before a tense derby unfolded at Kings Park.
- Ruan Venter’s yellow card was upgraded to a 20-minute red early in the second half, yet the Lions managed the period to stay within striking distance.
- The Sharks moved ahead late, but three missed conversions, two disallowed tries and a decision to scrum rather than take easy points proved costly.
- Coaches Ivan van Rooyen and JP Pietersen praised their sides, with Van Rooyen highlighting improved game management and Pietersen lauding the 15–0 fightback.
- The win snapped the Lions’ three-game skid, ended the Sharks’ two-match run and sets up a switch to Europe, with the Lions next hosting Lyon in the EPCR Challenge Cup.