It’s a case of eighth versus 13th on the Vodacom URC log but prepare for fireworks when the Sharks host the Lions on Saturday.
The Sharks remarkably won their first two URC encounters against the Lions in Durban by the exact same scoreline of 37-10.
The Joburg-based side turned the tables in the 2023-24 season before the Sharks won the most recent encounter in Durban.
Sharks vs Lions in URC at Kings Park
2021-22: Sharks 37 Lions 10
2022-23: Sharks 37 Lions 10
2023-24: Sharks 18 Lions 20
2024-25: Sharks 25 Lions 22
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Relive the two most recent clashes between the teams at Kings Park:
SHARKS 25 LIONS 22
18 March 2025
Round 1, 2024-25 season
Siya Kolisi scored a brace of tries as the Sharks edged the Lions 25-22 to clinch the SA Shield for the first time.
With the Sharks struggling to convert sustained first-half pressure into points, it was their inspirational captain who provided the breakthrough late in the opening stanza, crashing over to give the hosts a 12-7 half-time lead following earlier scores by Sharks scrumhalf Grant Williams and Lions flanker Tapiwa Mafura.
Kolisi was at it again minutes into the second half as the Sharks opened up a 10-point lead. However, the Lions refused to fold and surged ahead through tries by winger Richard Kriel and replacement hooker Franco Marais, along with a Gianni Lombard penalty, to lead 22-17 entering the final quarter.
Despite being reduced to 14 men, the home side kept up the pressure and were rewarded when substitute loose forward Nick Hatton touched down to level the scores at 22-22.
A late penalty saw replacement Sharks scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse step up, and even though the ball hit the right-hand upright, it went over the crossbar.
STATE OF THE URC: Gripping SA derbies kick off new year
SHARKS 18 LIONS 20
6 January 2024
Round 8, 2023-24
The Lions won a URC match at Kings Park for the first and only time in a dramatic game which was in the balance right until the last seconds.
Having led comfortably at the break, the Sharks were undone by a stirring second-half comeback – and a missed penalty at the death that would have snatched victory.
After early penalty goals from flyhalves Sanele Nohamba and Curwin Bosch, slick Sharks handling carved open the Lions defence, fullback Aphelele Fassi releasing winger Makazole Mapimpi to score in the corner. Bosch added the conversion and a well-taken drop goal, before scrumhalf Grant Williams dotted down, as the Sharks surged into an 18-3 half-time lead.
The Lions, however, emerged with renewed intent after the interval and relentless pressure told when the visitors were awarded a penalty try, cutting the deficit and shifting momentum. Centre Marius Louw then powered over from a driving maul and Nohamba held his nerve to convert, nudging the Lions ahead with minutes remaining.
There was still time for one final twist. The Sharks earned a penalty, but replacement flyhalf Boeta Chamberlain’s attempt drifted wide to give the visitors from Joburg a first URC win in Durban.
The post Sharks-Lions in Durban never short on drama appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.