The Southern Kings suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of the Emirates Lions at Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg on Friday 8 July, as the competition's form team ran in eight tries to beat the Kings 57-21.
The Lions took just three minutes to open the scoring as Rohan Janse van Rensburg went over and Elton Jantjies took the lead to 7-0.
The Southern Kings suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of the Emirates Lions at Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg on Friday 8 July, as the competition's form team ran in eight tries to beat the Kings 57-21.
The Lions took just three minutes to open the scoring as Rohan Janse van Rensburg went over and Elton Jantjies took the lead to 7-0.
The Kings then had several attacking opportunities that eventually paid off as scrumhalf James Hall managed to go over. The conversion was good from Louis Fouche as they drew level.
Despite some very basic errors, a Jantjies penalty turned the momentum which saw fullback Andries Coetzee run off a good pass from Janse van Rensburg as he went over. Jantjies converted with ease as the hosts ran down the tunnel with the game under control.
The Lions started the second half like a house on fire as the brilliant Faf de Klerk took a gap and went over to increase the lead.
Stefan Watermeyer managed to pull one back for the Kings after an intercept try saw some hopes of a comeback appear. However, the Lions clicked into another gear and ran in another four tries with each being converted as Mostert, Marx, Janse van Rensburg and Mahuza each scored.
St Andrew's old boy and current EP Kings player Sintu Manjezi made his Super Rugby debut when he replaced Schalk Oelofse in the 55th minute. However, the damage was done as the home team were well in control. Courtnall Skosan then went over after Sylvian Mahuza played him through down the wing to take the game to 57-14. Kings' replacement prop Schalk Ferreira then had the final say as he went over in the corner and Fouche converted to make the final score 57-21.
While the Kings were happy to hear the siren go, the Lions celebrated their victory as they go top of the combined table and continue their dream Super Rugby campaign.
Point Scorers:
Emirates Lions:
Tries – R. Janse van Rensburg (2), A. Coetzee, F. de Klerk, M. Marx, S. Mahuza, C. Skosan
Conversions – E. Jantjies (5), R. Combrinck (2)
Penalties – E. Jantjies (1)
Southern Kings:
Tries – J. Hall, S. Ferreira
Conversions – L. Fouche (2)
