The Lions maintained their unbeaten start to the Currie Cup with a commanding 40-19 win over Western Province at Ellis Park on Saturday, with captain Jaco Visagie leading the way in a physical and dominant display.
Visagie scored two second-half tries and led a dominant forward effort as the Lions overpowered Western Province to back up their opening-round win over the Sharks.
LIONS LAY FOUNDATION IN FIRST HALF
Western Province struck early when No 8 Louw Nel crashed over for the opening try inside five minutes, but the Lions hit back quickly through flyhalf Lubabalo Dobela, who continued his strong start to the season.
Dobela converted his own try and then had a hand in a sweeping move that earned the Lions a penalty try after persistent WP infringements. That score also saw a Province player sent to the sin bin.
With the visitors under pressure, winger Rabz Maxwane finished off a flowing attack to stretch the lead to 21-5 by the 21st minute.
Western Province fought back before the break through a try from flanker Gideon van Wyk, narrowing the deficit to nine points at half-time. But that was as close as the Capetonians would get.
LIONS DRIVE HOME ADVANTAGE IN SECOND HALF
The Lions dominated territory and possession in the second half. Flank WJ Steenkamp extended the lead with a well-worked try from a driving maul, before Visagie grabbed the first of his two tries, again off the back of a strong set-piece.
Nel bagged his second try for WP to briefly halt the momentum, but Visagie powered over again with ten minutes to play, sealing the result and adding to his team’s bonus point tally.
Dobela was named Man of the Match for his sharp playmaking and game management, as the Lions made it two wins from two games and 10 log points from as many on offer.
The Lions travel to face Boland next, while Western Province head to Kimberley to take on Griquas. Both sides will look to build momentum as the competition gathers pace.
WHICH TEAM WILL WIN THE 2025 CURRIE CUP?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
