Lions vs Cheetahs Super Rugby Unlocked match declared a draw

The Lions and the Cheetahs have suffered a setback after their Super Rugby Unlocked third round match‚ which was called off in line with Covid-19 protocols‚ was declared a draw.

SA Rugby could not reschedule the match and both teams will be awarded two points.

Six Lions players tested positive for Covid-19 in the build-up to the match and in line with an instruction from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases‚ who were fearful of a potential outbreak‚ the game was called off.

SA Rugby was unable to reschedule the match as Super Rugby Unlocked will be immediately followed by the Currie Cup which is set to kick off on November 27.

The drawn result means the Lions now have two defeats‚ a win and a draw‚ while the Cheetahs have two wins and a draw as they go in pursuit of the table-topping Blue Bulls this weekend.

The Cheetahs travel to Durban for their fifth round clash against the Sharks who also have to make up some ground.

After four rounds the Blue Bulls lead the log on 15 points followed by the Cheetahs and Sharks (both on 9 points)‚ the Stormers (8)‚ Lions (7)‚ Pumas (5) and Griquas (2).

The Cheetahs this week will introduce Jeandré Rudolph and Khutha Mchunu to the team's colours‚ with Junior Pokomela continuing in the role of captain in the absence of the injured Ruan Pienaar.

Cheetahs team to play the Sharks: Clayton Blommetjies; Malcolm Jaer; William Small-Smith; Frans Steyn; Rosko Specman; Tian Schoeman; Tian Meyer; Aidon Davis; Junior Pokomela (captain); Andisa Ntsila; JP du Preez; Carl Wegner; Luan de Bruin; Reinach Venter; Charles Marais.

Substitutes: Jacques du Toit; Boan Venter; Khutha Mchunu; Oupa Mohoje; Jeandré Rudolph; Ruben de Haas; Reinhardt Fortuin; Chris Smit.