The Lions produced their most complete performance of the season to defeat previously unbeaten Ulster in a 12-try thriller at Ellis Park on Saturday.
The hosts ran in seven tries in a 49-31 victory to claim their second triumph of the URC campaign.
Flyhalf Chris Smith added 14 points from the tee with four conversions and two penalties, guiding Ivan van Rooyen’s side to back-to-back wins after a poor start to the season.
It was a frantic opening quarter, with three tries inside the first 10 minutes. Hooker SJ Kotze powered over to put the Lions on the board before Ulster winger Robert Baloucoune responded almost immediately with a superb solo effort.
Moments later, the Lions regained the lead through winger Eduan Keyter, who finished off a well-worked move started by a powerful scrum effort, before collecting a clever inside pass from fullback Quan Horn. Smith’s conversion gave the hosts a 14-7 advantage.
All-out attack at Ellis Park
Eduan Keyter scores as the Lions get their second
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Ulster struck back through centre James Hume after a clever chip over the Lions defence, and when Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye was shown a yellow card, the visitors took control.
Smith’s penalty briefly restored the lead, but Baloucoune’s second try put Ulster ahead 19-17 at half time.
The Lions and Ulster continue to trade blows
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The Lions responded emphatically after the restart. Flanker Ruan Venter crashed over to regain the lead, with Smith adding the extras and a penalty to stretch the score to 27-19.
Baloucoune’s hat-trick briefly closed the gap, but the Lions’ forwards began to take charge.
Replacement loose forward Renzo du Plessis secured the bonus-point try before Ulster’s David McCann replied to make it 34-31.
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The closing stages belonged to the Joburg-based side. Centre Henco van Wyk scored after a slick counter-attack and replacement prop Conrad van Vuuren crossed twice in the dying minutes to seal victory.
The result hands Ulster their first defeat of the season, while the Lions rise up the standings into seventh place.
When the tournament resumes in a month’s time, Ulster face Benetton in Treviso, while the Lions head to Loftus.
LIONS – Tries: SJ Kotze, Eduan Keyter, Ruan Venter, Renzo du Plessis, Henco van Wyk, Conrad van Vuuren (2). Penalty goals: Chris Smith (2). Conversions: Chris Smith (4).
ULSTER – Tries: Robert Baloucoune (3), James Hume, David McCann. Conversions: Nathan Doak (2), Jake Flannery.
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
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