Man of the Match: Stefan Terblanche (Gallo)

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Durban - The Sharks were just too good for the Lions as they cruised to a 29-14 victory in the first Absa Currie Cup semi-final at the Absa Stadium.

The coastal franchise were just unstoppable in the first half and that laid the foundation for their comfortable victory.

The Lions certainly came to play and battled gallantly but ultimately they never really looked like upsetting their hosts who started the first half like a house on fire with scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar slotting two earn penalties to hand his side the early momentum.

Then in the 14 minute, it was No8 Ryan Kankowski who was on hand to ensure it was also the Sharks who scored the opening try of the semi-final.

Receiving a pass from winger JP Pietersen he sprinted 40m down the left touchline to dive over for a great try, Pienaar slotted the conversion and the Sharks were 13-0 up.

Mercifully, there was a reprieve for the Lions not long after, with centre Doppies la Grange going over in the 19th minute to score the opening try for the visitors.

However, the Sharks immediately bounced back with flyhalf Fred Michalak finishing off a beautifully orchestrated try.

The Sharks' utter domination continued until half-time with both centre Frans Steyn and Pienaar slotting a penalty each to take their side into a 26-7 lead that they maintained into the break.

After the hustle and bustle of the first half, the second stanza got off to a pretty lacklustre start before Pienaar slotted yet another penalty to extend the Sharks lead once again in the 62nd minute.

The Lions tried and tried again but they just could not penetrate the Sharks' seemingly impregnable defensive lines but they did eventually manage a late consolation try as centre Jacque Fourie went over in the final minute.

Strydom kicked the conversion but a 29-14 defeat will be a bitter pill for the Lions to swallow, meanwhile the Sharks can bask in glory.

Try scorers

Sharks: Ryan Kankowski, Frederic Michalak

Lions: Doppies la Grange, Jacque Fourie

Conversions

Sharks: Ruan Pienaar (2)

Lions: Earl Rose, Louis Strydom

Penalties

Sharks: Ruan Pienaar (4), Frans Steyn (1)