Lions roar to glory

Lions roar to glory

29 Oct 2011

GARETH DUNCAN, reporting from Ellis Park, watched the Lions break their 12-year Currie Cup title drought with a 42-16 hammering of the Sharks.

After 12 years of silverware starvation, the Lions have finally fed.

The 26-point victory completed a dream campaign – which included a table-topping run throughout the league phase and an impressive 29-20 semi-final win over a WP side that had six World Cup Springboks in their match day squad. This result was also the Lions’ first Currie Cup final triumph at Ellis Park in 61 years.

The Lions wanted it more than their opposition. The Sharks, who struggled for momentum and lacked a clinical edge, looked second best for most parts of the match. The hosts ran faster, tackled harder and toiled tirelessly around the park. That determination – no – that hunger for victory influenced John Mitchell’s ‘no-name brands’ to thump a strong, Springbok-laden Sharks side.

Those who backed a win for the visitors pointed to the quality of their squad, which included seven World Cup Boks. But this match proved to be one game too much for the likes of Bismarck du Plessis and Beast Mtawarira, who struggled to make any trademark impact after long and tiring year. There was also a lack of cohesion, despite this group spending the past three weeks together.

The Lions, who’ve played generally the same side since day one of Super Rugby in February, worked like a well-oiled machine. But during this impressive team performance, the player who made the ultimate difference was flyhalf Elton Jantjies. The youngster showed Mitchell was correct in selecting him ahead of veteran Butch James during the play-off stages. After starring in the Lions’ semi-final win last Saturday, the 20-year-old displayed a Man of the Match performance as he kicked 24 points without missing one attempt.

The platform was set with a good showing in the first half. The Lions mixed moments of impressive attacking play with a resilient defence to hold a 19-6 half-time lead.

Jantjies and fullback Jaco Taute, who nailed a 57m penalty, traded penalties with flyhalf Frederic Michalak early on before wing Michael Killian scored the first try of the match. From a scrum in centre field, centre Doppies la Grange broke the Sharks defence through a set-piece move. His offload put Killian clear.

But it looked like the half would end badly for the Lions. Prop CJ van der Linde had a moment of madness in the 32-minute when he threw Sharks skipper Keegan Daniel over his shoulder whilst clearing a ruck. It earned him a yellow card. The Sharks built momentum with their one-player advantage and paid four visits to the Lions’ red zone. However, they couldn’t find a much-needed finish and the Lions escaped without conceding any points.

Then there was a controversial moment early in the second half when Willem Alberts scored a try that should not have been allowed. The Sharks flanker broke the Lions’ defensive line, but lost the ball forward in the process. However, the knock-on wasn’t sighted by the officials and referee Mark Lawrence, who seeked advice from his assistant, awarded the try. The Sharks were back in it as Michalak’s conversion made it 22-16. Game on.

The Lions, however, had other plans as that was the Sharks’ last score of the match. The following 31 minutes was arguably the best passage of play the Lions have showcased this year.

It was a strong performance that secured 20 points to seal the famous win. First, Pat Cilliers powered over from close range after the Lions attacked from deep. Jantjies added two penalties before Taute had the pace to finish another attacking move in the corner. The following conversion was the final nail in the Sharks’ coffin.

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827 Comments

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  • 651.>^..^< katman: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 14:16 pm

    @Tuna(Tuna)-647: No, where would one see this?

  • 652.goyougoodthing2: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 14:17 pm

    @>^..^< katman(katman)-649: There is no story, the numbers are real. Go ask the Unions, or the players, seems you know everything about rugby now you have a cup… :-)

    Surely someone like you must know the players well… :-)

  • 653.poppa69: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 14:17 pm

    congrats lions fans.

    it’s magic being crowned champions

  • 654.poppa69: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 14:19 pm

    guess this place is devoid of shorks fans.

    love the scoreline.

  • 655.ashampoopaloo: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 14:20 pm

    Streauli is poison who destroyed the Boks and then Sharks give him a DOR in Durban.. go figure.. Sharks gotta be the ultimate moegoes of all moegoes to give Streauli the keys to the palace,, what kind numbskull idiots do THAT.!!

  • 656.goyougoodthing2: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 14:20 pm

    @ashampoopaloo(joel1yahoo)-650: Totally agree with you on Smit, but back when he was brought back he saved PDV from a sinking ship. Payment was the RWC ruin.

    JS is so arrogant, it’s a pity only a few can see it. An arrogant, greedy man who didn’t even have the decency to go to the Presidents’ Suite last weekend as an honoured guest. Absolutely pathetic, greedy little man.

  • 657.>^..^< katman: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 14:21 pm

    @goyougoodthing2(goyougoodthing2)-652: You just make up any kak you like, and tell me to go ask people? Doesn’t work like that, boet. You post your evidence or your links to stories, or you’re just another bigmouth bulshitter. One of many. That’s how it works.

  • 658.Tuna: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 14:22 pm

    @>^..^< katman(katman)-651: Search for Gilbert Rugby South Africa on Facebook.

  • 659.goyougoodthing2: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 14:23 pm

    @>^..^< katman(katman)-657: I don’t have to prove anything, those be the numbers. Never saw it in a story, heard it with my own ears. Why does it rattle you so?

  • 660.Roar my Lions .... Currie Cup Champions 2011: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 14:23 pm

    @tuna

    Where can we see that jersey?

  • 661.Tuna: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 14:25 pm

    @Roar my Lions …. Currie Cup Champions 2011(RL)-660: Search for Gilbert Rugby South Africa on Facebook.

  • 662.goyougoodthing2: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 14:25 pm

    @Roar my Lions …. Currie Cup Champions 2011(RL)-660: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gilbert-Rugby-South-Africa/106656219415854

  • 663.Roar my Lions .... Currie Cup Champions 2011: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 14:25 pm

    @Tuna(Tuna)-658: cool :cool:

  • 664.Tuna: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 14:28 pm

    @Roar my Lions …. Currie Cup Champions 2011(RL)-663: Rumor has it Jano Vermaak is on the waiting list for one too. Kak move ne Jano?

  • 665.wooden spoon: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 14:31 pm

    Lol I see the kiwi turtle head is another honourary Lion for the time being.

  • 666.Tuna: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 14:33 pm

    @wooden spoon(wooden spoon)-665: Poops backed the Lions last week already. New members always welcome.

  • 667.>^..^< katman: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 14:34 pm

    @goyougoodthing2(goyougoodthing2)-659: I’m not rattled, boet. Just irritated by little kids who post whatever they like as facts and can’t even dream of backing it up. I remember this story well. The Sharks said, after the whole mess went public, they’d pay him up to R100k if he moved (which remains hypothetical, because it never happened). The Cheetahs were paying him between R20k and R30k a month. Not R5k, as you claimed.

    http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/CurrieCup/Mapoe-saga-continues-20101004

    http://sport.iafrica.com/rugby/news/554321.html

    See, that wasn’t so difficult.

    Of course the big fukkup was that the Sharks wanted him for free from the Cheetahs, who still had a contract. They wanted to get away without buying out the contract. So the Lions offered to do so, and they now have him. and they pay him a decent wage. End of story.

  • 668.>^..^< katman: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 14:38 pm

    @Tuna(Tuna)-661: Cool. Nice memento.

  • 669.Roar my Lions .... Currie Cup Champions 2011: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 14:45 pm

    @Tuna(Tuna)-664: Yip and Mossie too, the one who left cause he wanted to play for a winning team :razz:

  • 670.My nr1 nr2 too: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 14:54 pm

    @poppa69(poppa69)-653: Especially when it happens once in a generation

  • 671.grant10: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 15:30 pm

    @ashampoopaloo(joel1yahoo)-650: now that there is the whole truth.

    that fat boy farked up careers……and it is a DISGRACE!

  • 672.bryce_in_oz: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 15:35 pm

    Yes it’s the lowly Currie Cup…

    Yes it was against a team with one of the most one-dimensional coaches in world rugby…

    Yes it was against my team…

    Yes it is exciting to see Ellis Park full and some renewed energy back in Lions territory!

  • 673.grant10: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 15:36 pm

    @bryce_in_oz(bryce_in_oz)-672: yes….you are a plonker of distinction!

  • 674.Roar my Lions .... Currie Cup Champions 2011: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 15:50 pm

    @bryce_in_oz(bryce_in_oz)-672: lowly Currie cup, shutup you wannabee sheepshagger convict. Do not come here and belittle our rugby heritage.

  • 675.bryce_in_oz: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 15:51 pm

    @grant10(grant10)-673:

    Yes… I’m surprised you even show your face on this blog after almost every single inhabitant has called you a ****!

  • 676.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 15:58 pm

    Is Mapoe at the Sharks

    Haven’t seen him in yonks

  • 677.Roar my Lions .... Currie Cup Champions 2011: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 16:01 pm

    @Dawn(Dawn)-676: he was celebrating with the Lions yesterday … was one of the injured players to collect his winners cup.

  • 678.goyougoodthing2: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 16:30 pm

    @>^..^< katman(katman)-667: There’s more to a story than what you read in the newspaper chump.

  • 679.Michael: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 16:32 pm

    Come on Keo, what about some articles on prospective Bok coaches? You lot claim to have insider sources… (sic)

  • 680.Great White Shark: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 16:34 pm

    @bryce_in_oz(bryce_in_oz)-675:

    All the children on the playground are going to start throwing stones at you now.

    Dawn, then Tuna (Shark?) then RL then Gunther then Tomotei then grant…..all the tossers on keo…..and in the background is a lonely Kiwi looking to find a side to hide behind…..

  • 681.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 16:50 pm

    GreaT white plonker what is your problem with me.

    Spit it out.

  • 682.Heavens Game: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 17:00 pm

    Awesome Game Lions.

    Congrats Lions fans, the long wait is over. Worthy champs and your team plays the best rugger in SA.

    Refreshing having a competent, fair ref in charge of a game for a change.

    It is now imperative that SA Rugby convince John Mitchell to coach the Boks… Break the bank, give the man Carte Blanche.

    Fark the rest of the candidates – he has done an amazing job with the Lions – a self described bunch of ordinary guys doing extraordinary things.

    From a diehard Sharks fan to the Lions, their fans and particularly their coaching staff: RESPECT!!!

  • 683.grant10: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 17:22 pm

    @Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-682: well said Sir….every now and then you surprise me…

  • 684.Jeraldjay: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 17:34 pm

    15.Taute
    14. JPP (I feel at ease when his in the BOK team)
    13. JDJ
    12. Steyn
    11. Hougaard
    10. Jantjies (Jury is still out, hope he has a good 2012)
    9. Pretorius
    8. Strauss
    7. Alberts
    6. Brussow (he will adapt)
    5. Bekker
    4. Mostert
    3. Jannie
    2. Bissy
    1. Guthro

  • 685.ET.: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 17:36 pm

    @Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-682: @grant10(grant10)-683:

    G10, you miss the mark again as BraveFart is just choosing this very quiet moment in a very COWARDLY but expected fashion for the LOUT he really is.

    After all his bluster he is too scared to face the crowd.

  • 686.grant10: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 17:37 pm

    @Jeraldjay(Jeraldjay)-684: nice……but lets see how Duanne Vermeulen goes at 8……and Schalk was huge at 7 for Boks….

    also the 4 lock…not as yet convinced that is the right call…

    Brussow at 6 a must have imo…..simply the best of the best…

  • 687.grant10: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 17:42 pm

    @ET.(ET.)-685: mmmm…you may have a point there Mr ET….
    this was a very sane and truthful post from HG…..something I am not too used to from the prat!

  • 688.Jeraldjay: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 17:44 pm

    @grant10(grant10)-686: I’m a Stormers/WP man but Schalk on attack is really starting to worry me.

    I like what I saw in Mostert. The Sharks used Deysel at lock yesterday??? Maybe theirs another option.

  • 689.Bagel: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 17:46 pm

    @Jeraldjay(Jeraldjay)-684: @grant10(grant10)-686: As a die-hard WP fan I will admit Duane is not up to test standard. Oozes physicality but lacks brains and hands. Strauss a better option.

    But you kids forget who the best player in South Africa is, his name is Juan Smith and don’t you dare write him off until he starts playing badly (which never happens). Ask the Kiwi’s who they fear the most in our pack. Always Smith, absolute beast.

    Alberts can come off the bench, he’ll have a massive impact or put him at 8 w/e.

    Don’t like Sarel at 9… Would rather have Hougaard there and have another wing. Mvovo will step up eventually, or Mapoe or even Killian.

    Not ready to admit Taute is better than Lambie although I believe he has more talent but Lambie is one cool customer, Taute prone to many brainfarts.

    Otherwise love the rest.

    In other news, Wikus van Heerden shaved off Strauss’s beard after the game haha.

  • 690.Tuna: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 17:48 pm

    @Great White Shark(Predawn)-680: Blah blah… you still look silly boetie, deal with it.

    @grant10(grant10)-686: I think Rhodes at 4 is worth a shot.

  • 691.grant10: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 17:49 pm

    @Jeraldjay(Jeraldjay)-688: Not convinced about Deysel either…..i think super 15 may sort that out….Elstaht may step up….4 lock is a concern for me….Schalk is a natural blindsider……ACruins it when he plays schalk as opensider….

    lets wait and see….maybe J Smith will be back as blind sider as well….

    nice problems to have….

  • 692.grant10: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 17:50 pm

    @Tuna(Tuna)-690: yip…..he is gonna be a very good player….as I said….super 15 will sort out a few issues before Poms arrive in June

  • 693.Horings: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 17:51 pm

    @jeraldjay Difficult to pick a starting XV 8 months from the first test. Good super 15 seasons from Sadie, Goosen and a whole bunch of youngster can change that team very quickly. I must say Jantjies convinced me yesterday, but Lambie was also outstanding in a losing team. He has some special touches.

  • 694.grant10: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 17:52 pm

    @Bagel(Bagel)-689: valid points you make re J Smith……

    As for lambie over taute at 15….no mate….taute is the real deal…

  • 695.Jeraldjay: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 17:52 pm

    @Bagel(Bagel)-689: Fark Bagel.
    Jaun Smith. How quick we forget.
    Fully fit he is a must come 4N 2012.
    Have to play Alberts, Strauss then has to be benched.

  • 696.Tuna: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 17:54 pm

    @grant10(grant10)-692: The dude who takes 5 punches without even buckling for trying to rip a guy’s head off. He’s ready :)

  • 697.grant10: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 17:54 pm

    @Horings(Horings)-693: yip….speculating is always fun….but super 15 will reveal all

    for me the Head Coach is far more important than anuthing else….that is make or break !

  • 698.grant10: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 17:56 pm

    @Tuna(Tuna)-696: ja….he is one hard son of a gun….sharks let him out the net and now sit with Hargreaves…..whoa!

  • 699.Jeraldjay: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 17:57 pm

    @Horings(Horings)-693: We all know 8months is a life time in rugga.
    Hope Goosen does well. I’m posting under correction but I think it was Cane (or another Kiwi) that called him the Tendulker of rugby.

  • 700.Tuna: Reply to this comment
    30 Oct 2011, 17:58 pm

    @grant10(grant10)-698: They miss him. He’s profile is still on the Sharks page. Goes to show what a good coach can do with someone who is willing to learn. I’m out, weather looks menacing. Cheers all.

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