The Sharks climbed to second in the United Rugby Championship table after defeating Cardiff at Cardiff Arms Park, while the Lions suffered a heavy defeat by Edinburgh in Friday’s two Round 4 fixtures.
Both South African sides were involved in away matches on 23 October, with Edinburgh maintaining their unbeaten start to the season and Cardiff dropping to seventh.
The Lions travelled to Edinburgh Rugby Stadium with the hosts top of the table and the visitors sixth. Persistent rain made for difficult conditions as the match began.
The Lions looked to unsettle Edinburgh early with a series of mauls and kicks over the defensive line, but the hosts dealt comfortably with those threats. Edinburgh were also helped by several errors from the Lions at the lineout.
Matthew Currie opened the scoring after Edinburgh produced a fluent team move. The Lions dominated the scrum battle, though, and Chris Smith put them on the scoreboard with a penalty after 30 minutes.
Edinburgh restored their advantage only two minutes later when Mosese Tuipuloto crossed for a try. Harry Paterson then extended the lead in the 51st minute, using his pace to finish another Edinburgh attack.
The hosts appeared increasingly at ease in the wet conditions before the Lions reduced the deficit through Hlekani Batho, who scored from close range.
Paterson completed his double with 15 minutes remaining, before Geordie Gwynn was sent into space to secure the result for Edinburgh. The victory kept them unbeaten and top of the table, while the Lions fell to eighth, according to the URC website.
At Cardiff Arms Park, Emile van Heerden led the Sharks out of the tunnel on his 50th appearance for the club.
The match suffered an early injury setback when Andre Esterhuizen limped off after 52 seconds. Jaco Williams replaced him.
The Sharks made a strong start, with Zekhethelo Siyaya releasing Ethan Hooker to score on his return. Cardiff responded by carrying the ball from inside their own half, allowing Josh Adams to cross and level the match.
Matt Romao put the Sharks back in front after running onto a pass from Jordan Hendrikse. Cardiff then lost Cam Winnett following a heavy collision with Edwill van der Merwe as both players competed at full speed.
The visitors finished the first half strongly, with Jason Jenkins powering over the line. Cardiff cut the gap to three points when James Botham forced his way over, but Jenkins soon became another Sharks injury concern and was replaced by Stephan Lewies.
Botham scored again in the 62nd minute as Cardiff took the lead from a rolling maul. The Sharks hit back through Thomas du Toit before Ethan Bester was credited with another try from a rolling maul.
Romao completed the scoring with a late turnover try, leaving Cardiff without a response. The result lifted the Sharks to second, while Cardiff dropped to seventh.
