Sharks bully the Lions in Durban

The Sharks produced a statement performance against the Lions as their 37-10 victory lifted them to sixth in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.

The home side engineered four tries as their outmuscled South African rivals were put to the sword in Durban.

Gerbrandt Grobler and Phepsi Buthelezi crossed in the first 10 minutes and even at that early stage there appeared to be no way back for the Lions, who were bullied up front.

The best evidence of the Sharks’ forward dominance was Bongi Mbonambi’s 60th minute try which came after an unstoppable line-out maul that travelled 20 metres.

Sikhumbuzo Notshe registered the bonus point when he drove over from close range, with the victory elevating them above the Bulls into second in the South African Shield.

It also brought to an end the Lions’ run of four successive wins, although a late touchdown by Henco van Wyk at least ensured they did not finish tryless.