Lions v Sharks: The Hard Numbers

The tides have turned in recent seasons with the Lions now dominating a fixture that used to be a doddle for the Sharks. Having breezed past the Sharks at home in the final round robin fixture last weekend, the numbers suggest we can expect nothing other than victory for the number one seeds.

Cast your gaze over some notable numbers ahead of the weekend…

• The Lions have won the last five meetings between these teams, after earning just two wins and a draw from their 13 clashes prior. This will also be the first time these teams have met in the Finals.
• The Lions have won their last 12 games on the bounce, a 13th win would be the longest winning streak ever by a South African team, eclipsing the 12-game streak set by the Bulls across 2009 and 2010.
• The Sharks have scored just 12 points in their last three Finals fixtures away from home, including a tally of zero when they traveled to Wellington in last season’s quarter-finals.
• The Sharks have slotted 47 penalty goals this season, no other side landed more than 31.
• Ruan Combrinck is set to line up for his 50th Super Rugby cap; he has scored five tries in his last four games for the Lions.