Sanele Nohamba kicked 14 points as the Lions preyed on Western Province in the Currie Cup match at Athlone Stadium on Friday night.
The Lions struck first and they struck early. Within a minute of kickoff, former WP finisher Edwill van der Merwe had crossed the line, Sanele adding the extras.
It took Western Province 20 minutes to respond, through a try from winger Mnombo Zwelendaba, but it would be Van der Merwe and Nohamba who combined again to extend the Lions’ lead before half time, with another try from the winger and a conversion and penalty from his scrumhalf.
The Lions looked set for a comfortable half-time lead before a penalty try on the 40th minute took Province within three points going into the break.
????-????: ?⚪️12 – 15 ?#WPvLIO #CurrieCup | #WhereLegendsRise#LionsPride? pic.twitter.com/oIZ7Azruv2
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) May 26, 2023
Nohamba’s steady boot continued to help the travelling team in the second half, as he converted Ruan Venter’s try and knocked over another penalty late in the match to take the Lions comfortably clear. Venter scored again in the dying minutes, Nohamba converted and the Lions walked away 34-12 victors.
While Western Province suffered defeat to a full strength Lions side on Friday night, they will welcome back reinforcements for their final two Currie Cup fixtures, following the United Rugby Championship final which was set to take place between the Stormers and Munster at DHL Stadium on Saturday.
Photo: Gallo Images