Resilient Lions in 29-20 turnaround

THE Golden Lions showed remarkable resilience to overturn a 10-point deficit into a much-needed 29-20 win against Western Province‚ keeping their Currie Cup semifinal flame blazing in the moody Johannesburg spring weather.

The Lions were trailing 20-10 in the 56th minute but three lastquarter tries from Aphiwe Dyantyi‚ Robert Kruger and Rohan Janse van Rensburg salvaged their faltering playoff hopes.

Going into the game‚ the Lions were at the bottom of the log with 25 points and a points difference of minus 85.

They needed a big win ahead of next week’s final set of roundrobin matches that will determine the semifinal positions.

The Sharks‚ who host Western Province next week‚ are already guaranteed a home semifinal.

The loss came at the wrong time for Western Province as the Sharks have been far from generous with their 10-match unbeaten run.

The Lions muscled into fourth place with 30 points‚ three points ahead of fifth-placed Blue Bulls‚ who host the Pumas on Friday.

The Lions will be at home against the Free State Cheetahs on Saturday in the final roundrobin match of the tournament.

A potent but short-lived thunderstorm forced players off the field 90 seconds before the break.

Scorers: Golden Lions:

Tries: Sylvian Mahuza‚ Aphiwe Dyantyi‚ Robert Kruger‚ Rohan Janse van Rensburg. Conversions: Jaco van der Walt (2)‚ Ashlon Davids. Penalties: Van der Walt.

Western Province:

Tries: Nizaam Carr‚ Robert du Preez. Conversions: Du Preez (2). Penalties: Du Preez (2).