Lions hammer bleak Bulls
24 Jan 2009
The Lions caused a shock when they gave the Bulls a 44-21 hiding in their friendly at a packed Wits University.
The Bulls may have opted to field an understrength unit without Victor Matfield and Fourie du Preez to name just two, but they would have expected to be competitive at the very least.
But the Lions produced some stupendous rugby for this early in the season, scoring five first half tries, and seven in all, that entertained the 6 000 strong crowd.
The key to the win was quick ball they won at rucks, as this afforded the backs the necessary platform to pressure the Bulls’ defensive line. The first four tries were all scored on the overlap due to the earlier sterling work at the breakdown.
Such was the Lions’ dominance that they would have earned the bonus point - had this been competition time – after 32 minutes. The fifth was possibly the best of the evening after a 20m break from captain Baywatch Grobbelaar sent Jaque Fourie over to make the score 34-0 heading into the shed.
Fourie also highlighted his importance to the team with his marshaling of the defence, which kept the Bulls scoreless for the first half. One such hit on fellow Bok Danie Rossouw where he drove him backwards was particularly memorable.
What would have also pleased Lions coach Loffie Eloff was the form of his recruited Bok wingers, Ashwin Willemse and Henno Mentz. Finishing has been a problem, but both grasped any opportunity that came their way and were also productive around the park.
The second half saw a number of replacements on for both sides, and as a result the match deteriorated into a scrappy one. The Bulls managed to open their account five minutes into the second half with a try from replacement flank Deon Stegmann, but the Lions hit straight back.
Michael Killian, on for Willemse, charged down Burton Francis’s clearance and flopped on the ball to snuff out any hopes of an unlikely Bulls comeback.
The Lions have no more official friendlies and must wait three weeks until their Super 14 opener against the Cheetahs. Conversely for Frans Ludeke’s Bulls, they have two warm-ups where they will hope to gain some confidence.
Lions - Tries: Ashwin Willemse, Henno Mentz, Gert Muller, Earl Rose, Jaque Fourie, Michael Killian, Jano Vermaak. Conversions: Rose (3). Penalty: Rose.
Bulls - Tries: Deon Stegmann, Bakkies Botha, Akona Ndungane. Conversions: Burton Francis (2), Bryan Habana.
* The Lions B team beat their Bulls counterparts 22-13 after leading 12-3 at half-time. Lions centre Walter Venter was a standout for the hosts.
By Grant Ball, in Johannesburg
320 Comments
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25 Jan 2009, 12:53 pm
JC, Ryan AND Simon are on… is something going on?
25 Jan 2009, 12:53 pm
#299 SpringbokSarah: yes, we will.
although they deserve to have me withhold my support as they arent broadcasting the game!
25 Jan 2009, 12:54 pm
#297 PdV The Head Coach:
And that was 13 matches
25 Jan 2009, 12:55 pm
#302 rangerman: I’ve got a spare ticket?
25 Jan 2009, 12:56 pm
#297 PdV The Head Coach:
My post was a Joke, PdV.
Anyway, it’s not really about what Team is the most Ethnically diverse, is it.
It’s about what Unions develop and expand the game, whenever and wherever possible. Reading between the lines here on Keo, I think this honour goes to Eastern Province.
25 Jan 2009, 12:59 pm
Now very quickly I better add………………………..Everyone of you Saffas out there, knows 110% more than I on this issue.
And it is Your issue, Not mine. Sorry for even commenting. 8)
25 Jan 2009, 12:59 pm
#295 cane: rofl
25 Jan 2009, 13:02 pm
Shame poor people who are going to the match…
25 Jan 2009, 13:05 pm
Look at the time!
See you at Newlands!
25 Jan 2009, 13:11 pm
can somebody please help out .did habana score a conversion or rather y id he kick the conversion
25 Jan 2009, 13:50 pm
#286 grant10: Have a great time at Newlands today….Look forward to the report back later
25 Jan 2009, 14:50 pm
well well well
25 Jan 2009, 14:52 pm
#230 yliad: Rory and RP are legends, don’t ever think they are not. Gonna come munch your glory boys on Valentine’s day. The WP can go home and cry to their boyfriends after the match
25 Jan 2009, 15:05 pm
#306 cane:
Aboriginals did very well in the Australian awards today also. That won’t please RugbyRulz
25 Jan 2009, 16:21 pm
#297 PdV The Head Coach:
Oh rubbish…the LIONS just do not have enough money to hold onto their black talent…which is a a high commodity due to the pro-black laws….
Ricky was developed from when he was 19 by the LIONS, Habana from when he was 19, Conrad from when he was in high school…Ash Willemse…Mujati…Thabang Molefe (but he just never delivered on his promise muhc like a Jorie Muller – both were players of their respective U21 World Champs)…
That is just to name a few….
And where are all of those players now!??! (Ok except for Ash who has returned…and I loe him for his loyalty…unlike the other asses)….
25 Jan 2009, 16:24 pm
#315 Hmmm:
I don’t even know why I typed to him…he clearly knows nothing of what he is talking about…
One of those sad people that think if they don’t have everything the other side is wrong….
I dislike them all (white apartheidt, black victimheidt, ALL)…
They all should get over themselves…
25 Jan 2009, 16:46 pm
Well…I’ll support the LIONS all the way….
25 Jan 2009, 16:46 pm
Good start and glad to see Willemse being able to take his chances…
25 Jan 2009, 16:51 pm
I guess it must be a JHB thing…
I am a LIONS and a Pirates supporter…
Neither have much of the “other” race (can’t believe I m saying this **** just because of “PVD The Head Coach”)…in actual fact the Pirates have 98% black company from player to tea lady to management…
But we still support each other…
25 Jan 2009, 18:48 pm
#281 RedLion roars again: Yep, pretty much playing around. Gonna turn out the big guns against the Bulls’ 2nd team. Well we hope. Not sure what the coaches get up to between them
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