Janse van Rensburg snatches victory for the Lions

The Lions, last season’s runners-up, made a winning start to the 2017 Super Rugby season with a hard-fought 28-25 victory over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

Rohan Janse van Rensburg’s 77th-minute try proved decisive for the visitors as they edged in front at the crucial moment to cap a thrilling second half.

The opening 40 minutes had been a battle of the boot between Elton Jantjies and Fred Zeilinga, the pair kicking two penalties apiece to make 6-6 at the break.

After the restart the game opened up, with Janse van Rensburg’s second score of the game ensuring four points for the Lions, while the Cheetahs had to settle for a losing bonus point.

Santiago Iglesias and Gonzalo Bertranou inspired Jaguares to a 39-26 win over the Southern Kings, the Argentine franchise holding on in the closing stages to snatch an opening weekend victory.

Jaguares had led 39-12 with 13 minutes to go but Makazole Mapimpi and Luzuko Vulindlu – plus conversions from Lionel Cronje – ensured a nail-biting finale.

It was very different for the Stormers, though, as they took control of their clash with the Bulls with a first-half blitz.

The hosts clocked up 24 points before half-time at Newlands, and, although Bulls mounted a late fightback, it was too much of a deficit to overcome – the visitors not even able to claim a losing bonus.