After a slow start against the Denmark Vikings on the opening day of the 2011 AFL International Cup in Sydney, the SA Lions clicked into full gear against China to run out winners by 18 goals, staking a firm claim as a contender at this year's event.

Full story courtesy Jordan Laing (AFL NSW/ACT)

South Africa v Denmark

South Africa 4.2 (26) def Denmark 1.3 (9)

The South Africa Lions came into the match full of confidence after finishing third in the 2008 International Cup compared to their 11th placed opponents, Denmark  Vikings. 

But it was the Danes with all of the momentum early as Aksel Jensen (#18) goaled within the first minute and they had a number of chances later but failed to convert.

South Africa finally registered a goal -- a spectacular 50 metre effort -- through Malibongwe Mlami (#28) as only one point separated the two teams at halftime.

This match was shaping up to be one of the best of opening day. At one end, the South Africans were athletic, quick, skilful but typically smaller in build. While at the other, the Danes were well built, taller, had good skills but lacked pace. Both had good structures though.

What eventuated in the second half was a tight and tense match. 

There weren’t many goals scored, three in fact through South African’s Malibongwe Mlami (#28) again, Sikhulie Gamakhulu (#2) and Khaya Sikiti (#17), but both teams showed signs they will feature prominently in IC11.

In the end, Mlami’s second goal of the match proved decisive as South Africa recorded their first victory of the Cup, winning by a comfortable 17 points.

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South Africa v China

South Africa 18.6 (114) def China 0.0 (0)

South Africa picked up from where they left off in their previous match recording the highest winning margin of the Cup so far, defeating China by 114 points. 

The winners had eight separate goal scorers and piled on 18 unanswered goals against their far less experienced opponents. 

With the momentum behind them, South Africa was ruthless, skillful and brilliant at times. Sikhulile Gamakhulu (#2) staked his claim for goal of the Cup, bending, twisting and weaving his way through three defenders before snapping truly on his left boot from an acute angle.

Not to be outdone, Khaya Sikiti (#17) slotted a running goal from 45 metres out, five metres in from the boundary on the wrong side for a right-footer. 

Despite trying hard, China was no match for their opponents and struggled to get the ball past the centre square as they trailed by 62 points at halftime.

The second half was a similar story with South Africa again dominating all over the ground.

Steven Matshane (#10) finished with five goals, as did captain Bayanda Sobetwa (#23), while Khaya Sikiti (#17) and Tshepiso Mogapi (#14) kicked two goals each in the massive victory.