Mapoe sets up Lions' 26-19 win over Sharks

by Frank Nickson Sunday 18 February 2018

Elton Jantjies is part of the winning Lions' side

©PA

Lions 26 - 19 Sharks, Emirates Airlines Park
Scorecard

Lionel Mapoe scored a double as Lions kick-started their Super Rugby 2018 campaign with a 26-19 victory over Sharks at Emirates Airlines Park on Saturday.

Lions are now positioned second in South African Conference behind Stormers, who defeated Jaguares in the game earlier.

Robert du Preez gave a brilliant start to the game for the Sharks with a seventh-minute converted try but his efforts were negated by Mapoe, who went past the line nine minutes later and soon Lions went on to claim a seven point lead following Aphiwe Dyantyi's try in the 21st minute.

Elton Jantjies converted both the tries for the visitors.

The second half saw Sibusiso Nkosi (42') and Makazole Mapimpi (54') touching down for Sharks but Mapoe (51') and Kwagga Smith (58') responded back with tries of their own as Lions maintained their seven point lead.

The final flourish which Sharks desperately wanted did not come as Sharks held their defence to complete a seven point victory.