Lethal Lions run riot over hapless Bulls

THE Lions have produced some memorable Super Rugby performances in the last three years, but it’s doubtful they have put together a 40-minute showing as good as their first half effort here against the Bulls last night.

They were outstanding in everything they did in their 51-14 demolition of the Bulls had no answer. Johan Ackermann’s men were simply ruthless with ball in hand, they played with pace and width, aggression and power and had the game sewn up by half-time.

What they dished up in the first 40 minutes was a joy to watch and it laid the foundation for a comfortable victory against their northern neighbours; the Lions’ 11th win in 12 games.

For the Bulls it was their eighth defeat in 11 matches.

Ackermann’s team were excellent last season and especially in downing the Highlanders and Crusaders in consecutive weeks in the knockout rounds en route to the final, but they were better last night. They were clinical, lethal and hugely entertaining. The Lions have been the standard bearers in this country and no one locally can match them.

And to think this Lions team only arrived back in the country on Sunday after spending three weeks in Australia where, in their last game against the Brumbies, they were asked to make nearly 150 tackles in an energy-sapping affair. But they showed no signs of fatigue against the Bulls and actually looked fitter and stronger than their opponents when the final whistle blew.

In the end, the home team scored seven wonderful tries, five of them in the first half.

There were several stars for the Lions, men like Warren Whiteley, Franco Mostert, Ross Cronjé … but none grabbed the attention quite like Ruan Combrinck. The Springbok winger scored two outstanding tries and showed he is ready to play Test rugby again.

There are some players who are made for the big-time,