Lions dominate Chiefs

The Lions combined set piece domination, ferocious defence and clinical finishing to upset the Chiefs 33-27 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Earl Rose's 100 percent kicking display was the other factor in a victory that was a team effort in every sense.

It was only two converted tries in the last two minutes for the Chiefs left them with a flattering scoreline, having been dominated for most of the match.

Rose got the ball rolling with a penalty after six minutes which was followed by scrum-half Chris Jonck's first ever Super14 try. In the team for Jano Vermaak who was absent due to bout of the flu, Jonck had a excellent night, his distribution was crisp and kicking precise.

Jonck's try was the result of some sterling work from the Lion's pack as a massive right shoulder allowed Willem Alberts to break into open ground on the side of the scrum.

Heinke van der Merwe was controlling things up front while the Lions loose forwards cleaned up at the rucks.

As expected the Chiefs looked dangerous in broken play but the home team endeavoured to keep the pressure on with some high-tempo defending.

Chiefs hooker Aled de Malmanche rounded off some good work from his pack with a try to allow Stephen Donald to draw the teams level, but before the interval Alberts was in the mix again to put his side ahead.

The Lions led 17-13 at half-time and kept the momentum after the break with another Rose penalty and try from captain Cobus Grobbelaar to extend their advantage to 27-13.

May dismissed

The visitors finally got their act together and when Lelia Masaga sailed over it looked like it was game on. But the opposite was true as referee Stuart Dickinson dealt them a double whammy by disallowing the try and sending Ben May off for standing on Joe van Niekerk's face. May protested that it was unintentional but the damage was done.

Rose continued to slot penalties and ended the night with seven from seven.

At 33-13 up with two minutes to play, the Lions were dead on their feet as the Chiefs ran in two long distance tries to sneak back on the scoreboard.

That late rally saved the Chiefs a bonus point which might be vital when the final sums are done to determine who makes the play-offs.