The Lions jumped two spots into second position on the Currie Cup log with victory over the Sharks at Ellis Park on Saturday.
CHEETAHS KEPT ALIVE THEIR SEMI-FINAL HOPES
In the weekend’s only other match, the Cheetahs kept alive their semi-final aspirations with a hard-fought win over the Pumas.
The Bulls’ match with Griquas was cancelled, with both teams earning two log points, but the movement at the top of the standings means the next couple of rounds of action will be massively important as the teams jostle for home ground advantage in the playoffs.
The Lions will be smiling after they broke a three-year Currie Cup win drought against the Sharks in Johannesburg on Saturday, keeping the visitors try-less in the process.
On Friday night in Nelspruit, the Pumas came close to a vital win, but in the end more accurate goal-kicking by the experienced two-time Springbok Rugby World Cup-winner Frans Steyn saw the Cheetahs home.
With three rounds to go before the semi-finals, the Bulls still top the table with 35 points, but after this weekend, the Lions are now second on 29, followed by the Sharks (28), Western Province (26) and the Cheetahs (21).
The latter three teams all have a game in hand over the Bulls.
The Pumas (12) and Griquas (7) prop up the table.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19
