Excuse my ignorance,
I get that it is relegation battle between two domestic South African team but could you give those of us who don't follow this competition a little bit of context.
Despite what people say, its not really a Promotion/relegation match.
I say this because, the loser will not drop into a lower tier tournament. They will be cast into the void. The Lions have taken a HUGE hammering financially this season, with virtually all of their sponsors pulling out.
Lions
At the beginning of the year the Lions' better players either left the franchise or were loaned out to the other unions. They had also managed to organize quite a decent fixture list to keep the remaining players busy this season, the trip to the USA and France to play local clubs fell through.
Lions Fixtures & Results 2013
19-Jan-13 vs Russia @ Ellis Park – Lions 51 : Russia 13
26-Jan-13 vs Cheetahs @ Ellis Park – Lions 33 : Cheetahs 17
2-Feb-13 vs Bulls @ Orlando Stadium – Lions 32 : Bulls 38
9-Feb-13 vs Kings @ Ellis Park – Lions 41 : Kings 31
16-Mar-13 vs Mont de Marsan @ Ellis Park – Lions 56 – Mont de Marsan 24
11-May-13 vs Agen @ Ellis Park
– Cancelled
1-Jun-13 vs Samoa @ Ellis Park – Lions 74 – Samoa 14
8-Jun-13 vs
French Barbarians
@ Ellis Park – Cancelled
to be replaced with SA Barbarians
15-Jun-13 vs Stormers @ Ellis Park – Lions 42 – WP 12
21-Jun-13 vs Sharks @ Ellis Park – Lions 33 – Sharks 29
6-Jul-13 vs Blue Bulls @ Loftus – Blue Bulls 12 – Lions 50
13-Jul-13
vs Montpellier @ Ellis Park
– vs Griquas @ Ellis Park – Lions 26 – Griquas 12
20-Jul-13 vs Grenoble @ Ellis Park
– Cancelled
26-Jul-13 Promotion relegation away
3-Aug-13 Promotion relegation @ Ellis Park
13-Jul-13 vs Montpellier @ Ellis Park
– vs Griquas @ Ellis Park
20-Jul-13 vs Grenoble @ Ellis Park
– Cancelled?
26-Jul-13 Promotion relegation away
2-Aug-13 Promotion relegation @ Ellis Park
Take the results of these matches vs the Local sides with a pinch of salt, as they were all 2nd stringers (including the match vs the kings on the 9th of Feb)
Another year in the wilderness for the Lions will surely cripple the proud 124 year old Transvaal franchise. So losing will not be an option for them.
Kings
2013 Super Rugby wooden spooners - The Kings had a decent entry into the big stage, becoming the first franchise to record a win on debut(at home vs the Force). They then went on to draw against the eventual Aus conference winners Brumbies (in Cranberra), knocked over the Rebels (in Melborne) and managed to overcome a desperate Highlanders side at home.
They were on the receiving end of afew blowouts- vs the Crusaders (55-20), Bulls (34-0) and Waratahs (72-10) but considering that this was their first season in Super rugby, they definitely managed to exceed expectations here in SA.
If the Lions dont win this, SARU will almost be forced to bail GLRU out or it will mean the death of rugby in SA's financial capital city. Whereas the Kings have done well to capitalize on the hunger for top flight rugby here in the Eastern Cape, as they were the 2nd best supported team in terms of ticket sales and should have provisions for a year out in the wilderness.(the following infographic was compiled by the chaps on this website after round 8)
http://infogr.am/2013-Super-Rugby-Crowds
Too close to call
Kings will be battle hardened after a year in Super Rugby, afew key injuries is a worry though (captain Andries Strauss). Lions also are without springbok fullback Jaco Taute, and have decided to gamble on Elton Janjies at flyhalf who has been horribly out of form all year while at the Stormers.
Going to be too close to call. A game of all or nothing, a game of survival! Stakes not to dissimilar to a WC Final, only instead of a trophy, its a ticket into Super Rugby (and the accompanying paycheck that comes with it)
/2c
