The Sigma Lions hosted the Cell C Sharks at Emirates Airline Park on Saturday for their 2021 Carling Currie Cup fixture. Although the Sigma Lions' chance for the playoffs was over, they were hoping to end the season on a high. This was not to be as the Cell C Sharks who were second on the log, were far more clinical in their performance and convincingly beat the Lions 56-14.
The Lions started the match with a bang and camped in the Sharks half for the first 10 minutes but were unable to use a number of scoring opportunities from penalties. The Sharks then started to take control of the play and systematically scored tries capitalising on two yellow cards that were awarded to the Lions. The Lions continued their inability to turn more scoring opportunities into more points, whilst the Sharks were dominant and far more clinical in their performance.
18:46 Sharks centre Marius Louw scored a try under the posts after the ball was played from a good driving maul in the Lions' quarter. Converted by Lionel Cronje (7-0).
20:00 The Lions controlled the first 10 minutes of the match with possession and territory but could not capitalise on a number of scoring opportunities from penalties and driving mauls. The Sharks then managed to take some control of the play and managed to score.
22:21 Sharks winger Thaakir Abrahams scored a try in the corner after receiving a wide backhand pass from phase play in the middle of the field in the Lions' quarter. Converted by Lionel Cronje (14-0)
22:22 Lions hooker PJ Botha yellow caded for cynical play after not rolling away.
32:40 Sharks captain Phepsi Buthelezi scored the Sharks' third try after a good break and interplay by the Sharks from a strong driving maul in the Lions' half. Converted by Lionel Cronje (21-0).
41:48 Lions winger Stean Pienaar was awarded a yellow card for cynical offside play.
42:48 Sharks fullback Anthony Volmink scored the bonus point try after the ball was played wide from a driving maul in the Lions' quarter. Converted by Lionel Cronje (28-0).
40:00 The Lions were still unable to score from penalties in the Sharks' half and quarter. The Sharks on the other hand capitalised on the two yellow cards awarded to the Lions and kept the scoreboard ticking over with tries.
44:18 Sharks winger Thaakir Abrahams scored a try after the Sharks turned the ball over and ran all the way from their own try line after a failed try attempt by the Lions. Converted by Lionel Cronje (35-0).
58:10 Emmanuel Tshituka scored the Lions' first try after a relentless attack on the Sharks' try line. Conversion missed by Jordan Hendrikse (35-5).
60:00 The Lions kept the pressure on themselves by giving away penalties but did manage to get onto the scoreboard with a try. Both teams played in each other's halves but the Sharks were far more clinical in their performance.
63:50 Sharks replacement scrumhalf Sanele Nohamba scored a try after a good break from quick play from a Sharks' driving maul in the Lions' half. Converted by Boeta Chamberlain (42-7).
68:40 Jaco Visagie scored the Lions' second try after good phase play in the Sharks' quarter. Converted by Jordan Hendrikse (42-14).
71:39 Sharks winger Thaakir Abrahams scored a brilliant individual try by sidestepping through many tackles and finding space to score. Converted by Boeta Chamberlain (49-7).
79:41 Anthony Volmink scored his second and the Sharks' eighth try. Converted by Boeta Chamberlain (56-14).
Scorers:
Sigma Lions: Tries: Emmanuel Tshituka, Jaco Visagie. Conversions: Jordan Hendrikse (2).
Cell C Sharks: Tries: Marius Louw, Thaakir Abrahams (3), Phepsi Buthelezi, Anthony Volmink (2), Sanele Nohamba. Conversions: Lionel Cronje (5), Boeta Chamberlain (3).
Teams:
Sigma Lions: 15. Wandisile Simelane, 14. Stean Pienaar, 13. Burger Odendaal (capt.), 12. Dan Kriel, 11. Rabz Maxwane, 10. Jordan Hendrikse, 9. Ross Cronje, 8. Travis Gordon, 7. Emmanuel Tshituka, 6. Sibusiso Sangweni, 5. Ruben Schoeman, 4. PJ Steenkamp, 3. Carlu Sadie, 2. PJ Botha, 1. Sti Sithole. Replacements: 16. Jaco Visagie, 17. Nathan McBeth, 18. Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 19. Ruhan Straeuli, 20. Lunga Ncube, 21. Mandisi Mthiyane, 22. Morne van den Berg, 23. EW Viljoen.
Cell C Sharks: 15. Anthony Volmink, 14. Yaw Penxe, 13. Jeremy Ward, 12. Marius Louw, 11. Thaakir Abrahams, 10. Lionel Cronje, 9. Grant Williams, 8. Phepsi Buthelezi (c), 7. Henco Venter, 6. Dylan Richardson, 5. Emile van Heerden, 4. Gerbrandt Grobler, 3. Lourens Adriaanse, 2. Dan Jooste, 1. Khwezi Mona. Replacements: 16. Kerron van Vuuren, 17. Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18. Wiehahn Herbst, 19. Thembelani Bholi, 20. Jeandre (Lappies) Labuschagne, 21. Sanele Nohamba, 22. Boeta Chamberlain, 23. Murray Koster.
Article by Francois du Toit
Recent Posts
- Toyota Cheetahs Name Coaching Staff For SA Cup
- Emirates Lions Players Share A Dream Of Building Something Special In Johannesburg
- Daniel Kasende Is A Man Who Has A Back Story With A Difference
- Jeppe Accepting Big “Afrikaans” Challenges To Become One Of The Best
- Chamberlain Insists He Have What It Takes
- DHL Stormers Looking Forward To A Nice Challenge In Johannesburg
- André-Hugo Venter – Giving Back More Than You Took
- Springboks To Face Pumas In Rugby Championship In London
- “Salads Don’t Win Scrums” The Proven Recipe To Become No 1 In Vodacom URC Top 100
- Henco van Wyk Extended Contract At Emirates Lions
- Junior Springbok Squad Named For Short Georgian Tour
- Welsh Players, Staff And Coaches Are All Frustrated Following Loss To Italy
- Forwards Delivered A Great Platform For Ireland
- Test Match Derby Draws Second Biggest Crowd Of URC Season
- Only A Fool Will Write Boland Landbou’s 2025 Chances Off