However despite the improved performance the loss now stretches The Lions streak of defeats to a record 14 which will not please the big spender Robert Gumede who was looking for an immediate profit.

The truth is that The Lions let a victory slip out of their claws after having The Bulls on the ropes but failed to find the that one magic knockout blow, allowing the punch drunk Bulls to stagger home with a win.

With the finishing skills of a Zimbabwean election, The Lions pounded The Bulls defense repeatedly in the final 40 minutes and although managing to cross the white stuff a couple of times simply didn’t have the needed skill to shut The Bulls out. 20-24 was a justified result at the end although The Bulls will have to play for the full 80 against better opposition if they are going to win their third title. The Lions on the other hand will record their first win in the competition sometime during the tournament; they are an improved team and will be no push overs that much is clear

.

One thing that The Bulls did show is that they possibly have two of the fastest wings in the competition. Gerhard van den Heever’s monster 60m effort the highlight of week one of Super Rugby.

The Cheetahs on the other hand look like they are staring a long and frustrating season square in the face after being outclassed 24-9 by a Sharks outfit who themselves only showed glimpses of their 2010 end of season form.

A question mark hangs precariously above the head of Lambie who still flatters to deceive with an unconvincing kicking display and his ability to miss seemingly easy kicks is going to give someone wearing black and white a heart attack this season if it doesn’t improve quickly.

Yet Beast who came into the starting lineup after John Smit was withdrawn showed why he must now be considered the form loose head in the country. And the first thing that coach Droske is going to have to check is if Coenie Oosthuizen still has a brain after spending his afternoon being pummeled but Mtawarira. Willem Alberts smashed Kabamba Floors into submission and in general The Sharks defence was solid however with over 70% of the ball The Sharks will be concerned they didn’t win with a runaway score.

Week one of Super rugby is over and The Bulls and Sharks  are leading the way although The Stormers have yet to play their first match. Still a familiar picture is already emerging on the standings and this week’s victors are going to be tough to catch.