Lions roar into Super Rugby semis, Sharks and Stormers fail
The Lions were the only side able to overcome New Zealand opposition and book a spot in the Super Rugby semi-finals.
A 42-25 win over the seven-time Super Rugby winners the Crusaders laid down a massive statement in terms of their title hopes.
It is amazing to think that the last time the Lions made a semi-final was back in 2001. Fifteen years later, Johan Ackermann’s charges are by far the force of South African rugby as the Stormers and Cell C Sharks paled in comparison in their respective quarterfinals.
The Sharks were whitewashed 41-0 by the table-topping Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday morning. The torrential rain made things difficult, but it was fitting that the home side mastered the hurricane-like conditions and ran the Sharks ragged.
Meanwhile the Stormers also copped a hiding at the hands of the Chiefs. Home-ground advantage didn’t seem to overwhelm the visiting New Zealanders in Cape Town, who ran out 60-21 winners over the Cape outfit.
Lions gamble pays off
Lions coach Johan Ackermann was heavily criticised for sending his second-stringers to Argentina for their final round-robin clash against the Jaguares last weekend. They ended up losing which cost them their top-of-the-log spot, but the benefit was clear on Saturday afternoon.
The rested Lions players looked refreshed and were far too physical for the Crusaders – who must be credited for not capitulating against fierce opposition.
An early try to wing Courtnal Skosan laid down a marker and coach Ackermann said it was a crucial moment in the quarterfinal.
“The quick start is the aim of every side. If you looked at Sam Whitelock’s interview earlier this week, he said the Crusaders must start well so every team wants that. We had the first attacking lineout and the guys used and set the ball on a roll,” Ackermann said on Saturday night.
The Lions boss said his side was aiming to put a lot of points on the board before half time.
“The message was simple, there were three minutes left and we said to the guys get points. I would have been happy with just three points but before we kicked off I said to Swys de Bruin a try to go into half time 22-10 would be perfect. The guys got a penalty, they backed the kick to the corner and we got that try. We are proud of that decision.”
The result means the Lions will play at home again next weekend in the semi-final against the Highlanders.
Blackadder, Reid praise Lions
The loss was a bitter pill for Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder, as he bids farewell to the Canterbury side. Always a consummate professional, he was humble in defeat and believes the Lions have the ability to win the tournament this year.
“They’ve certainly got the team to do it and if they keep playing like that they will be really hard to beat. They’ve got home advantage next week, they will get a chance to regroup and prepare well without the travel. I’m sure they will do well,” Blackadder said.
Reid, who has tasted Super Rugby success and defeat on a number of occasions, lauded the Lions style of play and their progress over the years.
They've always been a dangerous side throughout this competition right from week one. Even the last couple of years, they've been a team that can rip you open from anywhere," the All Blacks skipper said.
They've got some steel about them now as well, it's what you need. It's good quality from their point of view, they are physical but have really good interplay with the ball - it's a good mix."
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