Seven-try blitz sees Lions dominate Sharks in Currie Cup opener
The Fidelity Lions banished the ghosts of last year’s heartbreaking Currie Cup final loss with a ruthless 46–5 dismantling of the defending champions, the Hollywoodbets Sharks, at Ellis Park on Saturday afternoon. In a match that carried the weight of unfinished business, the Lions delivered a resounding performance to open their 2025 campaign with authority.
With 11 players from last season’s final still in the squad, the Lions channelled their bitter memories into a dominant display, scoring seven tries in a one-sided affair that left the Sharks reeling.
Slow Start, Then All Systems Go
It wasn’t a polished start from either side, as both teams struggled with early-season cohesion. Handling errors and turnovers blunted several promising moves, but once the Lions found their rhythm, there was no stopping them.
Flank Jarod Cairns opened the scoring in the 10th minute after some slick interplay between forwards and backs. That try proved to be the spark the hosts needed. Just over ten minutes later, Rabz Maxwane doubled the lead after a stunning break from new recruit Angelo Davids. Scrumhalf Nico Steyn then delivered a pinpoint cross-kick for Maxwane to finish off—textbook counterattack rugby.
Cards, Penalty Tries and Power Plays
The match’s turning point came just before the break. Sharks winger Khuthi Rasivaga was yellow-carded for cynically slapping the ball down to prevent a try, and referee Dylen November wasted no time in awarding a penalty try to the hosts.
With the Sharks still down to 14, the Lions pounced again. A dazzling counterattack from deep, featuring a lovely offload from fullback Gianni Lombard, ended with Maxwane bagging his brace. Flyhalf Lubabalo Dobela finally found his range with the conversion, sending the Lions into the changerooms 24–0 up.
Second-Half Onslaught
The second half began much like the first ended—with the Lions in control and the Sharks scrambling. A Dobela penalty stretched the lead further before another yellow card—this time to Sharks flyhalf Jean Smith for yet another deliberate slap-down—opened the gates again.
Enter Angelo Davids. The Blitzbok flyer made his debut one to remember, capping a brilliant attacking sequence that he started himself with a try under the poles. Dobela added the extras to make it 34–0.
The Sharks finally broke their duck in the 69th minute when Phiko Sobahle capitalised on a defensive miscommunication to dot down. But their celebration was short-lived. Straight from the restart, Rynhardt Jonker finished a flowing move to restore the Lions’ dominance. There was even time for Layton Horn to grab the seventh try in the dying moments, completing a statement performance.
Redemption Delivered
This match was always going to be about more than just log points for the Lions. It was about pride, payback, and setting a tone for the new season. And under the Highveld sun, they did just that.
The Lions showed set-piece control, sharp support lines, and growing synergy between their backline and loose trio. Cairns, Jonker and Maxwane were standouts, while Angelo Davids made an immediate impact with his pace and creativity.
The Sharks, meanwhile, looked a shadow of the side that lifted the trophy last year. A youthful outfit, they struggled to build continuity and were punished for indiscipline at crucial moments. There’s potential in this group, but they’ll need to grow up quickly as they head to Pretoria to face the Bulls next weekend.
Final Word
It’s still early days in this shortened, single-round version of the Currie Cup, but the Lions have already laid down a marker. If this match is anything to go by, the pain of 2024 might just be the fuel for a serious title push in 2025.
Final Score: Lions 46 – 5 Sharks
Tries: Lions 7 (Cairns, Maxwane 2, Davids, Jonker, Horn, Penalty Try) | Sharks 1 (Sobahle)
Yellow Cards: Rasivaga, Smith (Sharks)
Next Fixtures: Lions vs Western Province; Sharks vs Bulls
Ellis Park echoed with the roar of redemption—and the Lions look hungry for more.
