Scarlets win boosts Lions ahead of Ulster clash

THE Lions broke their United Rugby Championship (URC) duck at the weekend with a workmanlike victory over the Scarlets at Ellis Park, but they will need to lift their performance considerably when they host Ulster this week.

- MIKE GREENAWAY

Ulster are unbeaten in three games and sit fifth on the URC points table, despite having played one fewer match than most other teams - the Ulster-Edinburgh fixture scheduled a few weeks ago was postponed due to Storm Amy.

The Northern Irish side have been on something of a giant-killing spree, having defeated two South African heavyweights in the last fortnight. The Bulls were routed 28-7 in Belfast, and on Saturday, the Sharks - featuring 13 Springboks - were shocked 34-26 at Kings Park.

Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen, speaking after his team had beaten the Scarlets but before the Sharks game kicked off, praised Ulster: "They're one of the form teams thus far this season. They're really looking good."

Imagine what he would have said two hours later after the Sharks were humbled by Ulster.