The Scarlets weathered a second-half surge from the Lions to strengthen their URC playoff push with a bonus-point win at Ellis Park.
The Pride’s hopes of progressing into the knockout stage of the competition were ended before kickoff against the Scarlets, after Benetton’s shock 33-7 win against defending champions Glasgow Warriors on Saturday made two bonus-point wins no longer enough to earn a place in the playoffs.
Scarlets flyhalf Sam Costelow led the way with the boot, contributing 12 points off the tee, including a well-taken drop goal that handed the visitors a 32-19 bonus-point victory in Johannesburg.
The Scarlets took early control despite a setback when lock Sam Lousi was sent to the sin bin for a dangerous tackle on Lions prop Morgan Naude. The hosts were unable to take advantage of the extra man, and Scarlets fullback Blair Murray crossed the whitewash to give his side the lead.
Murray added his second try later in the half after the visitors capitalised on a Lions turnover. He broke through the defensive line and dotted down under the posts to extend the Scarlets’ advantage.
Blazing Blair
No one was stopping Blair Murray from scoring this one after the set-up from his @scarlets_rugby teammates
#BKTURC #URC | #LIOvSCA pic.twitter.com/jInfFd63Em
— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) May 11, 2025
The Lions responded just before half time, with scrumhalf Nico Steyn throwing a dummy and slipping over for a try. However, the build-up saw Scarlets replacement lock Dan Davis shown a yellow card for cynical play.
Costelow capped the half with a composed drop goal, giving the Scarlets momentum and a 17-7 lead going into the break.
After the restart, No 8 Taine Plumtree powered over the line for the Scarlets’ third try. The Lions then struck back, as a dominant scrum deep in Scarlets territory set up a try for winger Richard Kriel.
However, the home side’s discipline let them down again, with flanker JC Pretorius sent to the bin for collapsing a maul in the red zone.
Straight from the training ground
@LionsRugbyCo move it wide perfectly for Richard Kriel who finished off
#BKTURC #URC | #LIOvSCA pic.twitter.com/bbmPLbgE9m
— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) May 11, 2025
Kriel grabbed his second try after another strong effort by the Lions pack created space out wide, cutting the deficit to 22-19 early in the fourth quarter.
The Scarlets responded with their fourth try to seal the result. Centre Johnny Williams finished off a sweeping move that began in their own half, earning the crucial bonus point and a 32-19 win.
In the final round, the Lions will host Ospreys, while Scarlets head to Durban to face the Sharks in a clash that could decide their playoff fate.
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
The post Scarlets punish Lions to stay in playoff hunt appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.