Shaun Goosen takes a look at what transpired in the Super Rugby Unlocked on the previous weekend.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports.
Lions claim first win
The Lions produced some crackling moments on attack on their way to securing a 61-31 win over the Griquas at Emirates Airline Park. While Courtnall Skosan may have bagged a hattrick on the day, the work of Wandisile Simelane stood out and it surely won’t be long before he gives the incumbent Bok midfield of Damian de Allende and Lukhanyo Am a proper challenge for their positions.
The result was the Lions’ first victory in the competition while the visitors remain winless. The three-time Super Rugby finalists welcome the Bulls to Johannesburg this weekend and the Griquas entertain the Stormers in Kimberley.
Sharks get over the line against Pumas
The Sharks earned a hard-fought 42-19 victory over the Pumas at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday that kept alive their title hopes. The men from Durban outscored the hosts six tries to three, but while the final scoreline suggests an easy win, the reality is it was anything but. Sean Everitt’s men had just 45% possession and 42% territory, while they missed 17 tackles and conceded 18 penalties. Lockdown has not treated them kindly and they are yet to click in the same manner they did during Super Rugby earlier this year.
This Friday they welcome the Cheetahs to Kings Park where their organisation on defence will be under the microscope once more. In all likelihood, Round Five will make or break their season. The Pumas, meanwhile, take a well-deserved bye.
Bulls ‘embarrass’ Stormers
The Bulls produced some brilliant attacking rugby late in the first half to lay the platform for a comprehensive 39-6 win over the Stormers. The match was abandoned in the second half due to lightning, but the result still stood as some shrewd play from veteran Morne Steyn saw Jake White’s men go from trailing 6-3 after 14-minutes to ending the half leading 32-6.
Stormers coach John Dobson claimed his side were left ‘embarrassed’ at the end result, one that saw the Pretoria boys take a firm grip of the Super Rugby Unlocked standings. They now lead by six-points over the Sharks and Cheetahs – the latter, though, likely to have a game in hand. The Bulls travel to Ellis Park this weekend while the Stormers visit Tafel Lager Park.
Written by Shaun Goosen for Hollywoodbets.
