The outcome of Saturday's battle will be decided by the accuracy of the respective flyhalves, writes BRENTON CHELIN.
Both flyhalves were part of losing teams on the opening weekend, but that's where the similarities end.
Pat Lambie was impressive in a losing performance, kicking six from seven and grabbing a try for a haul of 24 points. While his line-kicking didn't match the accuracy of his goal-kicking, he will be relatively happy with his first outing of the season.
In contrast, Marnitz Boshoff struggled through 37 minutes for the Lions. His usually reliable goal-kicking was erratic, while he struggled to get the Lions backline going despite enjoying some decent front-foot ball.
The Lions' insistence on running everything means Boshoff kicked just once against the Hurricanes, and he'll need to vary his play more if he's to test the Sharks defence.
Of greater concern will be his kicking from the tee, especially since Lambie has immediately found his rhythm at the start of the new season.
Failure to capitalise on point-scoring opportunities cost the Lions dearly last weekend. If Boshoff is similarly wasteful against the Sharks, Lambie can make them pay, particularly if the Lions have to chase the game.
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images/Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
