Sharks captain Siya Kolisi scored two tries against Zebre, but will hope his team does not leave it until late to close out the URC game against Leinster on Saturday in Durban. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
The Lions could find themselves in trouble in the United Rugby Championship (URC) if they fail to collect any points from their final tour game in Glasgow this weekend.
After flunking out against the Dragons this past Friday, a game they should’ve won looking at how they dominated the statistics, they are now well and truly under pressure in their quest to make the top eight. Those Jekyll and Hyde performances must be put behind them if they are to make inroads when facing the defending champions on Saturday.
The Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium with their Scotland internationals back is a daunting task, but if there is a team that can stand up when it counts, it’s the Lions. They are currently the only local team outside the knockout spots of the URC.
On Friday evening, the Stormers will look to make it three wins on the road – something that is not synonymous with them – when they face Ulster in a cold Belfast. There will be no Warrick Gelant to lead their attack, but in flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and fullback Damian Willemse, they still possess the pizzazz to make some magic.
Three injuries to key players will make the task more difficult, but it’s an opportunity for those stepping in to make their mark for the Cape side.
For the Bulls and Sharks, there were plenty of lessons after nail-biting wins over Leinster and Zebre at home respectively. There was something to learn from those matches for the South African sides because they’ve switched opposition for Saturday.
The Sharks take on Leinster who was on the receiving end of a first loss for the season, so they will want to set the record straight against their Springbok-laden opponents. All eyes will be on the battle between Leinster lock RG Snyman and his Bok teammates.
At Loftus Versfeld, Zebre will be out to claim the scalp of the Bulls after coming within a couple of points of upsetting the Sharks. The home side received the hairdryer treatment after that Leinster game and must do better to put their opponents away.
