“I don’t think a lot of the guys here are over that final,” said Sibabalo Qoma, recalling the climax of last year’s Currie Cup. “So there is some degree of this being personal. We have to, however, stay professional about the way we go about it and the way we prepare for it.”
That statement alone suggests that there will be some serious niggle this weekend when the Lions host the Sharks on Saturday (kick-off 2:30 pm) at Ellis Park in an United Rugby Championship (URC) clash. It will be the first time the two teams meet since that bruising Cup final, won by a last-gasp penalty by the Durbanites.
Even now, nearly six months later, it remains a painful defeat for the Doornfontein-based union. After all, the Lions had the game won at 14-13, but a simple mistake in injury time sealed their fate and broke their hearts, with former Lions utility-back Jordan Hendrikse stepping up to slot a monster kick and seal victory for his new team.
Equally, the Sharks will be on the hunt for a measure of revenge. In the previous URC season, the Lions did the double over them, and they will be motivated to ensure it won’t be three losses in a row in the tournament when they meet this weekend.
There will be plenty of opportunities over the next two weekends for comeuppance, with the teams playing back-to-back clashes against each other, home and away. Qoma, who recently returned from injury, will hope to be involved in both matches as he seeks to return to the form that saw him enjoy a purple patch during last season’s Currie Cup.
Qoma returned to action this past weekend in the Lions’ disappointing 31-19 loss to the Bulls, playing a solid, if not spectacular, 20 minutes after replacing lock Etienne Oosthuizen. It was only his second appearance for the Lions at franchise level, adding to the 25 minutes he played against Ulster in September 2024.
Speaking earlier this week, Qoma revealed that slotting back into the Lions’ approach required little effort — thanks to the team’s coaches and his teammates — despite the hardships he faced in overcoming his injury.
Pre - training with @oakley😎@Vodacom #URC #LIOvSHA #OriginRound #GrassrootsToGreatness pic.twitter.com/s3GlLikRUp
“It was extremely difficult (getting fit), especially with the return-to-play protocol, but there is a great medical team here, and they make it quite easy for you,” said the former Free State Cheetahs player.
“The coaches give you what they expect from you, and if you tick those boxes, it shouldn't be too difficult to get back in their graces. It hasn't been difficult. The boys are around to help you find your feet and get you back into the system.
“No matter how long you've been out, everyone — when they come back — are a little rusty,” he added. “The team, being as close as we are — brothers — are always willing to help you out and get you back into the thick of things.
“The coaches, with their advice and expectations, work towards what they want so that you can score yourself an opportunity to be selected.”
Ruan Venter announcing his return with an exceptional solo try in the #ChallengeCupRugby this weekend 💪💥 pic.twitter.com/9LgBMKftHY
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) January 20, 2025
Can’t wait to see Sibabalo Qoma run out in red. 🔴#LionsPride🦁 pic.twitter.com/nsBvj4Lbrb
The impact of Qoma over the coming weeks, with the end of the regular season in sight, should not be underestimated. The Lions have, at times, struggled to assert physical dominance over their opponents.
During the handful of matches where Ruan Venter, for instance, has been absent, they have lacked a real bruiser — an enforcer to bully defensive lines. The return of Venter in recent weeks has added that much-needed dimension to the Lions' arsenal.
Similarly, as witnessed during the Currie Cup, Qoma has a comparable ability. At over 100kg and 1.92m tall, he is a unit, so regardless of whether he starts or comes on as a replacement, his considerable bulk and belligerence will come in handy — especially over the next fortnight.
The Sharks are expected to field their first-choice matchday 23, which could see the return of their Springboks. The presence of Venter, Qoma, and company could be critical in completing another back-to-back rout of the Sharks and getting a little bit of closure regarding that Cup final.