SUPER RUGBY QUARTER-FINALS CONFIRMED LIONS SNATCH TOP SPOT
THE LIONS defeated the Sharks 27-10 on Saturday in Durban to clinch overall top spot on the Super Rugby table, meaning the two sides will meet each again next week in Johannesburg in one of four quarter-final fixtures.
The Stormers were too strong for the Bulls and triumphed 41-33 in an exciting Saturday afternoon encounter at Loftus Versfeld, while the Cheetahs bowed out of Super Rugby with a 21-20 win over the Southern Kings in their Friday night clash in Port Elizabeth.
With the final round of regular fixtures now completed, the final standings as well as the eight quarter-finalists were confirmed on Saturday evening.
The Lions, Crusaders, Stormers and Brumbies won through to the play-offs as respective conference winners, while the Hurricanes, Chiefs, Highlanders and Sharks each booked their spot in the play-offs as the four wildcard qualifiers.
In next weekend’s quarterfinal action, the Brumbies welcome the Hurricanes on Friday, at 11.35am (SA time), while the Saturday line-up sees the Crusaders hosting the Highlanders (9.35am), the Lions entertain the Sharks (2.30pm) and the Stormers are at home to the Chiefs (5pm).
Following the Crusaders’ 3122 loss to the Hurricanes earlier on Saturday, the Lions had the advantage of knowing that a win in Durban in the very last fixture of regular league action would secure them outright first place on the overall table.
They had to work hard for COMING THROUGH: Kwagga Smith of the Lions goes on the attack against the Sharks during their Super Rugby match played in Durban on Saturday. their 27-10 win, meaning that they are in line to host the 2017 final should they manage to win their next two matches in the knockout stage.
After falling at the last hurdle last season – to the Hurricanes in the final in Wellington – after finishing second overall, the Lions now have a wonderful opportunity to make up for that defeat and go all the way and win the title so many feel they deserved last season.
Ackermann said he agreed his team were in a better position to win the competition now than they were last year.
“It’s great knowing we don’t have any more away games, that there’s no more travel involved … what happens from now on is purely in our own hands. But, there are no log points to play for anymore; we’re going back to zero from now on.
“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved this season, topping the log, getting home play-off matches … and those are all positives, but we know the Sharks fairly well now and we know they’re going to test us on Saturday.
“The last game at Ellis Park was a real dog-fight, and I expect the quarter-final to be the same.”
Yet, there is no denying though the Lions will be the far more relaxed and happier team this week. After all, they haven’t lost a Super Rugby match at home since the end of April last year; that’s a run of 13 matches unbeaten.