LIONS 49-31 ULSTER · VODACOM BULLS 33-43 LIONS

Forty-nine points at Ellis Park and the first sign of the attacking shape that would define the year. Back-to-back home wins, and the log position began to move.

The best away performance of the Lions' season and the most overlooked. Forty-three points at Loftus against a side that would reach the Grand Final. Winning in Pretoria is difficult for anybody; the Lions did it by ten.