The Lions unleashed a seven-try tsunami to drown the Sharks with a vengeance at Ellis Park, wiping the slate clean from last year's Currie Cup final heartbreak. The pride of Johannesburg kicked off their 2025 season by mauling a youthful Sharks squad 46-5, with eleven veterans of last year's finale spearheading the demolition.
The onslaught began with flanker Jarod Cairns and speedster Rabz Maxwane planting the ball over the line early on, setting a 10-0 lead. Maxwane’s try was a spectacle, coming off a brilliant break by Blitzbok Angelo Davids and a precise cross-kick from scrumhalf Nico Steyn. The Sharks barely had time to blink before they found themselves deeper in the hole. Just before halftime, a costly error by Sharks winger Phiko Sobahle, who got slapped with a yellow card for a deliberate knock-down, led to a penalty try for the Lions, pushing the score to 24-0 as the teams headed for the sheds.
"We capitalized on every mistake they made. Our boys showed up with a mindset to dominate from the whistle,"
noted a pleased Lions coach after the match.The second half scarcely offered any respite for the beleaguered Sharks. No sooner had Sobahle returned to the pitch than Jean Smith, Sharks flyhalf, found himself sin-binned, paving the way for Davids to score on his debut. Sobahle managed to put the Sharks on the scoreboard with 12 minutes left, but it was too little, too late. Rynhardt Jonker and Layton Horn quickly responded with a try each, sealing a comprehensive victory.
As the Lions prepare to host Western Province next Saturday, the Sharks must regroup before facing the Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria. With such a roaring start to their campaign, the Lions have firmly set the tone for what could be a redemption season, promising thrilling rugby action as the Currie Cup progresses.