Francke Horn hails Lions' dominant response in bonus-point Sharks win

The victory, worth a full house of five log points, not only strengthened the Pride of Joburg's push for a Top Eight finish but also moved them to within one point of the Sharks in the SA Shield race.

Horn admitted the response had been brewing since their heavy home defeat to the Bulls three weeks ago.

"We showed some dominance. We were really hurting after the Bulls game here at home," he said. "We had two weeks to fix that, and I think we did a really good job."

Reflecting on the result, he added: "I think we had a lot of opportunities (which we didn't take), but if you told me before the game that we would get five points, I would have taken it."

Despite playing 20 minutes with 14 men following two yellow cards, the Lions controlled most of the contest, with the Sharks only crossing for a consolation try after the full-time hooter to narrow the margin.

For Horn, the performance was as much about identity as it was about points.

"We're all proud men in the change room. We know that the performance against the Bulls wasn't up to our standards. We just said that's not what we want to stand for.

"We want to be a team that has energy, that has hunger and that plays a good brand of rugby. I think at stages today we really showed that.

"There are things to change and things to fix, but that's every game."

The result sets up a crucial encounter with the Stormers at Ellis Park next weekend, with the SA Shield still within reach if results go their way.

"Stormers next week, and we know they will be hurting after their last two games, so we will have to step up our game," Horn said.

"I am happy with the performance, but we need to keep on going. This was a massive game for us and next week it's going to be the same."

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