The Lions continue their winning form with a tight win over the Sharks
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Matches: Lions 23 - 21 Sharks

Lions survived a stoppage-time scare to defeat Sharks 23-21 Saturday and secure seventh place for the first time this season. After building a nine-point lead early in the second half of the ninth-round clash, the Johannesburg Lions looked set for a South African derby victory before being rattled by a late Sharks comeback.

Substitute prop Thomas du Toit barged over for a try two minutes from time which fly-half Fred Zeilinga converted, leaving just two points between the sides before a 38,000 Ellis Park crowd. And the visitors from Durban had a chance to snatch victory after the full-time hooter sounded when awarded a 57-metre penalty close to the touchline.

Zeilinga, deputising for injured Springbok Patrick Lambie, had the distance but not the accuracy with his kick sailing to the right of the post. It would have been cruel blow had the Lions lost as they dominated the second half, starving the Sharks of possession.

But poor goal-kicking by fly-half Elton Jantjies, who succeeded with only three of seven shots prevented the hosts building a commanding lead. Substitute back Howard Mnisi, scrum-half Faf de Klerk and centre Harold Vorster scored a try each for the Lions, who trailed 14-11 after a frenetic opening half.

Like Jantjies, Zeilinga had a mixed evening when it came to kicking at goal, missing all three penalty attempts.

Victory lifted the Lions four places to sixth, the last play-off spot. It was the fifth win in six outings for the Johannesburg outfit, who were considered likely whipping boys when the season began two months ago.

Sharks picked up a losing bonus point and remained eighth on the combined standings.