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2021 Rainbow Cup South Africa
Emirates Lions vs Cell C Sharks
Emirates Airline Park
Johannesburg, South Africa
Saturday, 5 June 2021
Kick-off is at 16:00 CAT
The Cell C Sharks will be aiming to reignite their hopes of finishing top of the
2020-21 Rainbow Cup South Africa standings with victory over the Emirates Lions at Emirates Airline Park (Ellis Park) on Saturday.
Image copyright: Getty Images
The Sharks fell to a 22-25 defeat at home to the DHL Stormers two weeks ago and head into this weekend's round of fixtures level on 11 points with the Cape franchise, but below them on points difference.
The Bulls, who have accumulated 15 points, lead the way with two rounds of fixtures remaining and are favourites to reach the final that will be hosted in Treviso, Italy on June 19.
But the Emirates Lions are responsible for making things interesting following their 34-33 win over the Bulls last month. Victory not only snapped a three-game losing streak in the Rainbow Cup but also a six-game losing streak to their northern neighbours.
As a further result, the Lions still harbour slim hopes of reaching the final themselves but will need to win their two remaining fixtures and hope other results go their way.
“It’s big for us and it’s important. It’s good to win at home and, more importantly, against the Bulls who are currently the best team in SA,” Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen said in the aftermath.
“It’s healthy and good for the competition. All four teams play an exciting brand of rugby. It’s impressive the way we as local teams defend and put skill-sets under pressure, probably more than any other country."
The Sharks could welcome Makazole Mapimpi back to their starting XV for this weekend's match. Mapimpi, who scored South Africa's first Rugby World Cup final try, returned to Durban last month following a stint in Japan.
Rainbow Cup South Africa fixtures 4-5 June (All kick-off times CAT):
Friday, 4 June
19:00 - Vodacom Bulls vs DHL Stormers
Saturday, 5 June
16:00 - Emirates Lions vs Cell C Sharks
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