Jantjies boots Lions to victory
Photo: Bruce Taylor / Rugby15
The MTN Lions kicked off their 2012 Super Rugby campaign with a tense 27-25 win over the Toyota Cheetahs at Coca-Cola Park in Johannesburg.
It was a battle of the boot with Elton Jantjies and Johan Goosen both showcasing their immense talent. It was however Jantjies that had the final say. Jantjies scored all the Lions’ points with 9 penalty conversions and in the process also breaking the record for most penalties converted in a SuperRugby match.
Both teams were heavily penalised at the breakdown by referee Mark Lawrence and that also resulted in a very stop-start match.
Johan Goosen added 20 of his side’s points which included 5 penalties, a massive drop goal and the conversion of WP Nel’s try. Goosen was later yellow carded for not rolling away at a ruck and on his return from the sin bin he took a massive knock during a tackle on Elton Jantjies that left him out cold.
Sias Ebersohn replaced Goosen as he was helped off the field but the damage was already done and the Cheetahs lost all of their momentum.
The last time the Lions won their first match of a Super Rugby season was in 2009. Also against the Cheetahs in Johannesburg.
Scorers:
MTN LIONS: 27
Penalties: Elton Jantjies (9)
TOYOTA CHEETAHS: 25
Try: WP Nel
Conversion: Johan Goosen
Penalties: Johan Goosen (5)
Drop Goal: Johan Goosen
Photo: Denese Lups / Rugby15
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