Xerox Lions Suffer Huge Disappointment

The Xerox Lions pushed The Sharks all the way before going down 19-17 at The Absa Stadium Durban on Saturday afternoon, a defeat which killed their semifinal hopes.

The visitors played as if their lives depending on winning, and it showed in the commitment they showed in every facet, be it on attack, defence or on the ground.

The game was a combination of turnovers, big hits, line breaks and great defence, motivating Sharks coach John Plumtree to state after the game, “forget about us, how well did the Lions play!”

Although The Sharks took an early six point lead through the boot of Ruan Pienaar, the Xerox Lions hit back with a penalty and try to Chris Jonck, a great attacking move down the middle of the field thanks to a lovely break from Doppies La Grange.

Earl Rose was next to find a gaping hole in the midfield as he exploited a defensive slip on the halfway line, but was brought down in the 22 from where the move broke down.  The fullback was quickly back in the action, this time making a try-saving tackle on Stefan Terblanche in his own 22, saving his team from conceding a try.

The visitors held out under a sustained attacking onslaught from the home side in the middle period of the half and as the lead changed hands thanks to a couple of penalties and even a drop-goal from Argentina’s Sharks flyhalf Juan Martin Hernandez, so the game increased in intensity.

The Sharks finally managed to make some territorial advantage count in the closing stages of the half as Bismarck du Plessis found himself at the back of a driving maul and claimed the try for the home side.

Herkie Kruger was able to add a further three points for his team as The Sharks failed to control the ball off the kick-off with half-time looming, and the sides went into the changerooms with the home side leading 16-11.

Kruger managed to reduce the deficit to just two points early into the second half as he successfully converted a long-range penalty and for the third quarter of the match, although The Sharks dominated the possession stakes, they were unable to make it count against a stern defensive effort from the Lions.

The visitors by contrast spent a short time in The Sharks 22 and came away with three points which took them into the lead with 15 minutes of play remaining, albeit just one point and it was game on.

Ruan Pienaar added his third penalty as the home side snatched back the lead with the game winding down and it would be a match-winning kick with both sides going hammer and tong at each other in an attempt to either enforce the victory or snatch the result – depending on which team.

Sadly, there has to be a loser, but there was no dishonour for the Xerox Lions who had played out of their skins and pushed the home side all the way, disappointingly not coming out on top.

They face Western Province at Coca-Cola Park in the final pool match next week, although coach Hans Coetzee promised that this game will be for the fans and Province can expect absolutely no hospitality in their quest to finish on top of the log.

With pride at stake, the Lions will be looking to finish the season on a high.

Captain Cobus Grobbelaar paid tribute to both teams following the huge clash, saying, “The guys did well, a few unlucky bounces for us but The Sharks used their opportunities well.  We knew they are a good attacking side, knew our defence had to be sharp and the guys put in some good tackles which kept us in the game.

“The guys were motivated and keen to do well and it was a good performance.  We have a lot to offer still, we have a game next week and hopefully we can build on this and stay humble.”

Willem Alberts was a deserving Absa Man of the Match despite being on the losing side, testament to his influential role in the game. “It was a tough game and we gave it our all but we’re very disappointed with the result. Well done to the Sharks, we prepared well for this game and we’re unlucky not to get the win after a hard game.”