The Lions survived a furious second-half fightback from Lyon to secure a thrilling EPCR Challenge Cup victory at Ellis Park on Saturday.
The hosts ultimately prevailed 42-33 – their first win of the European campaign – having led 28-14 at half-time.
The tone was set early with big collisions and heavy carries as Lyon tested the hosts inside their 22. A crucial turnover allowed the Lions to escape, and an improvised clearance from No 8 Francke Horn flipped the pressure.
From the resulting territory, flyhalf Chris Smith kicked to the corner and, after patient phase play, Batho Hlekani gathered a loose ball to score on his Lions debut. The former Junior Boks flank, called up from the bench to start after a late injury withdrawal, was named Man of the Match.
Lyon missed a golden chance when winger Arthur Mathiron knocked on with the line open, but they struck back soon after. A dominant scrum forced an error in the danger zone and winger Charly Mignot finished under the posts, with flyhalf Paddy Jackson levelling matters.
The Lions responded with tempo. Captain Horn’s long pass released winger Richard Kriel, who finished well out wide, and fullback Quan Horn then took a switch line after another Kriel break to score under the posts.
Momentum stayed with the Lions when Lyon loosehead Hamza Kaabeche was yellow-carded for a dangerous tackle. Sustained pressure followed and flank Renzo du Plessis powered over to secure the bonus point, Smith making it 28-7.
Renzo du Plessis secures a Bonus Point for the Lions
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Lyon had the final word of the half through fullback Alexandre Tchaptchet and carried that momentum into the second half, with scrumhalf Esteban Gonzalez darting over.
The Lions steadied themselves with a moment of magic from Springbok scrumhalf Morne van den Berg placing a precise kick for winger Angelo Davids, who finished clinically to restore a cushion at 35-19.
Still Lyon refused to fade. Hooker Mathis Sarragallet peeled off a maul to score their fourth try, and when centre Alfred Parisien raced away after a kind bounce, Jackson’s conversion made it 35-33 with five minutes left.
The Lions showed composure under pressure. Consecutive Lyon penalties handed territory back to the hosts, and replacement hooker Morne Brandon sealed the result with a tap-and-go try to cap a thrilling contest.
In next weekend’s final round of pool matches, the Lions take on Perpignan in France, while Lyon host Benetton at the Matmut Stadium de Gerland.
LIONS – Tries: Batho Hlekani, Richard Kriel, Quan Horn, Renzo du Plessis, Angelo Davids, Morne Brandon. Conversions: Chris Smith (6).
LYON – Tries: Charly Mignot, Alexandre Tchaptchet, Esteban Gonzalez, Mathis Sarragallet, Alfred Parisien. Conversions: Paddy Jackson (4).
Photo: Lions Rugby
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