Lions maul Sharks in dominant Currie Cup opener
Jarod Cairns crossed early to open the scoring before Rabz Maxwane finished off a slick move sparked by Angelo Davids' break. Nico Steyn chipped crossfield for Maxwane to gather and score, giving the Lions a well-earned 10-0 lead inside 20 minutes.
The Sharks lacked cohesion and discipline, with winger Phiko Sobahle receiving a yellow card for a deliberate knockdown near halftime.
That infringement gifted the Lions a penalty try and a numerical advantage just before the break at a buzzing Ellis Park. Maxwane made full use of the extra space to bag his second try, pushing the Lions into a commanding 24-0 lead.
Sobahle prepared to return from the bin when Jean Smith was shown yellow, reducing the Sharks to 14 men again early on.
Lions debutant Angelo Davids took immediate advantage, slicing through the broken defence for a well-taken try in front of the home fans.
The Sharks struggled to exit their own half and made little headway against a physically dominant Lions pack and lively backline.
While Sobahle finally crossed for a late consolation try, the game had long since drifted beyond the visitors' reach in Johannesburg.
Rynhardt Jonker burst through the midfield to score before Layton Horn dotted down soon after to compound the Sharks' misery.
The Lions showed superior structure, finishing ability and composure as they exacted revenge for last season's heartbreaking Currie Cup final loss.
With confidence high, the Lions now shift focus to a testing home fixture against Western Province at Ellis Park next Saturday.
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