Lions time play-offs roar perfectly

The Lions saved their best for the last 40 against the Bulls to secure top billing in the South African Conference and also second place overall. The significance of the second place is that the Lions, should they win their home quarter-final, will also play a home semi-final.

The Lions would then need one of the New Zealand teams to upstage the Crusaders in Christchurch, otherwise the final will be played in Christchurch.

The Lions won 38-12.

The Bulls ended their season with just six wins from 16 matches. It was a meek surrender after an opening month that screamed promise and possibility.

Ruan Combrinck scored a double and Springbok winger Aphiwe Dyantyi got the last of the home team’s six tries.

Lions beat Bulls 38-12 Match Centre

Scorers:

Lions 38 (19)

Tries: Ruan Combrinck (2), Malcolm Marx, Penalty Try, Courtnall Skosan, Aphiwe Dyantyi

Conversions: Elton Jantjies (2), Andries Coetzee

Bulls 12 (12)

Tries: Manie Libbok, Jesse Kriel

Conversion: Libbok