Lions coach Van Rooyen says Sharks have been world-class under Powell

“Someone like Siya [Kolisi] coming off the bench making a huge impact, Jaden also making a huge impact.

“[Makazole] Mapimpi showed his true class again. You can see that they felt where the momentum was and also felt where to take it when the momentum was with them.”

Van Wyk has been one of the key players in the Lions’ decent run so far this season and Van Rooyen would have loved to see him in action against some of the world’s best players in Durban.

“I think missing someone like Henco could be significant. I think it would have been a great game for him to play against these opponents.

“What people should not underestimate is what the Sharks have produced in the last three weeks. That was really world-class.

“We were under no illusion of what we were going to face and I don’t think we came here in any way not ready to perform.”

The Lions will be eager to get over the loss quickly as they have another tough derby against the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday (7pm).

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