Read more
Next up, the Lions host the Scarlets, while Connacht return to Galway to face Edinburgh after a winless tour in South Africa.
Shane Jennings of Connacht is tackled by Bronson Mills and Henco van Wyk of Emirates Lions during the United Rugby Championship match between Emirates Lions and Connacht at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg, South Africa. Picture: Shaun Roy/Sportsfile via Getty Images.
The Lions kept their slender playoff hopes alive, pulling out of a five-match slump in the URC with a win over Connacht at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Flyhalf Kade Wolhuter starred with the boot, scoring 11 points to guide the Lions to a vital 26-7 win in Johannesburg.
After surviving an early spell of Connacht possession, the Lions struck first when flanker Renzo du Plessis powered over for the opening try. Wolhuter added two penalties to give the hosts an 11-0 at half time.
Poor handling and discipline from both sides disrupted the flow of the match, with few long phases.
Wolhuter extended the Lions’ lead early in the second half, slotting his third penalty to make it 14-0. However, Du Plessis was soon sent to the sin bin for cynical play, offering Connacht a lifeline.
The visitors thought they had capitalised through hooker Dylan Tierney-Martin, but his try was chalked off for obstruction.
Edwill van der Merwe had a try disallowed after Henco van Wyk was penalised for a high tackle in the build-up. It was JC Pretorius who got the Lions’ second, swan-diving under the posts in the fourth quarter.
Connacht grabbed a late consolation through replacement prop Eoin de Buitlear, but Van der Merwe had the final say, chasing down a loose ball in extra time to seal a much-needed 26-7 Lions victory.
Next up, the Lions host the Scarlets, while Connacht return to Galway to face Edinburgh after a winless tour in South Africa.
This story was first published on sarugbymag.co.za. It is republished here with permission.
Download our app