The Lions and Dragons will face off in Johannesburg on Sunday when the Vodacom United Rugby Championship returns to the Highveld.

Overall URC head-to-head record: Played 1, Lions won 1

When they last met:

Did you know?

– The Lions have made the fewest entries to the 22 of any team, entering the opposition red zone just 39 times.

– Ruan Dreyer may have conceded the most penalties in the league so far (10), but he did win a round-high total of three turnovers against the Stormers in round six.

– Connacht scored the first drop goal of URC in round seven. However, the Lions have attempted a field goal a league-high twice and missed both times.

– Stifling their opposition at first phase, the Dragons have made more steals in the lineout than any other team (13). Their lineout on their own throw is also very strong, currently operating at a 90% success rate, second only to Ulster.

– However, the Dragons’ scrum is far shakier. They have only retained possession from 76% of their own feeds.

– Rhodri Williams produced a rare try assist with a kick last weekend. Just 11 players in the league have done so this season.

– The Lions are on a three-match losing streak at home.

– The Dragons have won two consecutive matches for the first time since a three-match winning streak ended in April 2021.

ALSO: By the numbers: Stormers vs Scarlets

Photo: Gruffydd Thomas/Huw Evans/Shutterstock/BackpagePix