South Africa's Lions, who finished last season at the bottom of the Super 14 table, began the new one at the top after a thrilling 34-28 win over local rivals the Cheetahs on Friday.

A fast, seesawing struggle at Ellis Park saw the Lions surrender a 14-point lead after 48 minutes only to snatch victory through late drop goals by replacement back Andre Pretorius and flyhalf Earl Rose.

Ill discipline cost the Bloemfontein-based Cheetahs dearly with the Lions scoring two tries while flanker Heinrich Brussow was in the 'sin bin' and another after centre Meyer Bosman received a yellow card.

The Cheetahs also squandered chances when three points adrift during a fiery finish, opting for a scrum from a free kick and failing to secure possession, infringing when pressing the Lions, and losing a line-out on their throw.

Injury plagued right winger Ashwin Willemse, back in South Africa after a spell with French club Biarritz, scored two tries for the Lions and captain and flanker Cobus Grobbelaar and left winger Henno Mentz also crossed.

Rose converted the four tries and the tally was completed by the two drop goals that secured success for the Lions, a feat they achieved just twice last season in 13 outings.

No.8 Frans Viljoen, Brussow and centre Jacques-Louis Potgieter touched down for the Cheetahs, who finished one position above the Lions in 2008.

Potgieter, moved from flyhalf this season by coach and former Springbok hooker Naka Drotske in a swap with Bosman, kicked two conversions and three penalty goals in ideal conditions.

"It was great to have Ashwin and Andre back as they kept us calm in the closing stages and collecting a bonus point was vital as we failed badly in that area last year," said Grobbelaar.

Counterpart and official man-of-the-match Juan Smith said: "It was an awesome match played in good spirit but not a good result for us, particularly as we leave tomorrow for Australasia, where we have never won."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP