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Lions make statement by ending Stormers run, Chiefs comeback shocks Cheetahs
By Peter Hanson
The Lions made an emphatic statement in Super Rugby by ending the Stormers' unbeaten start to the season in a 29-16 victory against their South African rivals.
The Stormers had started the weekend top of the standings having won their opening six matches, but the Lions returned home from Cape Town with a big victory after outscoring the hosts four tries to one in a battle of South Africa's best.
The visitors made an early statement of intent as Malcolm Marx scored in just the second minute following a brilliant rolling maul, although the Stormers quickly hit back following individual brilliance from Dillyn Leyds.
Robert Du Preez's conversion briefly had the home team in front, but Lions quickly had the initiative with Harold Vorster and Jaco Kriel – who had earlier been sin-binned – touching down either side of penalties from Du Preez and SP Marais for Stormers.
Stormers peppered the Lions line in the second half, but only had another Marais three-pointer to show for their efforts and Lions sealed the win through Sylvian Mahuza's late try.
Special!!! We give God the glory! He makes all things possible!pic.twitter.com/nQ8GuCGJ8o
— Courtnall Skosan (@Skosan14) April 15, 2017
In Bloemfontein, Cheetahs were left shell-shocked after surrendering a 24-point advantage to lose 41-27 to Chiefs.
The home side were 24-0 ahead after just 22 minutes following a blistering start, but the visitors kick off the recovery with a pair of Toni Pulu tries before half-time.
And the New Zealanders hit the front thanks to scores from Tawera Kerr-Barlow and James Lowe, before late efforts from Shaun Stevenson and Hika Elliot completed the brilliant recovery.
Rounding off the action, Bulls won for just the second time this season as Handre Pollard kicked 16 points in a 26-13 victory over Jaguares.
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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