Flyhalf Nico Steyn scored 13 points at Midstream College in Olifantsfontein on Friday night as the Lions moved top of the table by handing the Bulls their first defeat of the 2024 Currie Cup.
The Lions scored eight tries and conceded five to outshoot the Bulls 57-33. Three of the eight tries came in the first 21 minutes. Centre Enrich Krone, flanker Luan Venter and hooker PJ Botha scored to give the Lions a 19-0 lead.
Flanker Kon Wits struck for the Bulls but his contribution was undone as recent Lions Springbok star Mon van den Bergh grabbed the bonus point with a try after 30 minutes.
Tapiwa Mafura was disqualified and the Bulls were awarded a penalty try after the Lions’ flyer was deemed to have deliberately knocked the ball out of Canan Moodie’s hands as he scored. Botha soon followed up with a second goal to put the Lions ahead 33-14 at the break.
The Bulls scored twice in the third quarter, with hooker Joe Van Zyl and wing Katlego Letebele scoring the Lions’ sixth touchdown, this time a touchdown run by Morgan Noid.
The Lions continued to dominate in the final quarter, with substitute flanker Renzo du Plessis continuing his fine form by breaking across the line.
With Bulls replacement hooker Juan Els joining, Herd’s tally increased to 33 points, but once again the Lions fought back to secure victory when finisher Lavz McSwain powered home a winner across the whitewash.
The Lions return to Johannesburg for the final round before the play-offs when they host the Griffons at Ellis Park on Sunday, while the Bulls face the Sharks at Kings Park.
Photo: Gallo Images
