We have a bonus match in the URC this weekend as the Lions host the Sharks in Johannesburg. This is one of those split rounds, with Round 8 played out of order due to other rugby commitments.
It is the only game scheduled for this weekend, with Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Italy all in Six Nations action and the Round 6 tie between Bulls and Stormers scheduled for mid-March.
Here is a look ahead at this tasty South African derby.
Lions VS Sharks Venue: Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
Lions VS Sharks Date: Saturday, February 21
BetXchange Lions VS Sharks Africa Odds:
History
This is a big game given the Sharks and Lions’ positions on the URC log.
The top eight make the playoffs at the end of the regular season, which we are over halfway through. The Sharks sit in ninth on the log. They have 24 points from 10 games, with 4 wins, 1 draw, and 5 defeats. They also have six bonus points.
The Lions are one place below the Sharks in tenth on the log. They have the exact same record as their Saturday opponents: 4 wins, 1 draw, 5 defeats, and 6 bonus points. They are only behind the Sharks on point difference, with their -43 being worse than the Sharks’ -34.
The problem both teams face is that a huge game has opened up between Munster, in sixth with 35 points, and the Bulls, in seventh with 25 points. While Sharks and Bulls have this game in hand against some of the teams above them, a ten-point gap at this stage is going to take some running down. With the top six seemingly off and clear, that leaves potentially just two finals spots open for the rest of the league.
Lions
The Lions will be well up for this after stealing the win in the first meeting of these two sides this season. Scrumhalf Haashim Pead was the star of the show, coming off the bench in Durban to score a dramatic try after the hooter as the Lions won 23-22.
One aspect to note is that this is the first of six straight home matches the Lions will play. A win here sets them up in a huge way for what is to come.
Sharks
The three-week break came at a bad time for the Sharks. They had just reeled off back-to-back wins over the Stormers, wins that have given them new life under new coach JP Pietersen.
Look for Springboks like Ox Nche and Vincent Koch to stand up and be counted down the stretch for this Sharks side.
Best Bets
Expect the set piece to be massive in this one. The Lions and Sharks have powerful packs, and whichever team sets the best platform for their backs to attack from will have a major advantage.
The Sharks have won 32 scrum penalties this season to just 11 for the Lions. If the Sharks get the scrum moving early, then it could be a long day for the Lions.
I will take the Sharks to steal one here. I just think the scrum pressure will come on at the right time, and the fact that they have given up 52 fewer points this season than the Lions works in their favor.
