Rohan Janse van Rensburg of the Emirates Lions powers past Henry Speight of the Brumbies on his way to score the Emirates Lions first try during the Super Rugby match between Emirates Lions and Brumbies at Emirates Airline Park on May 19, 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Gordon Arons/Gallo Images)
The Lions used the Ellis Park altitude factor to good effect to eventually beat the Brumbies 42-24 at a chilly Ellis Park on Saturday night.
Yet for at least 65 minutes they hardly looked like a team who would scare any of the top dogs in the Super Rugby competition.
Eventually outlasting the Brumbies to score six tries to three, the Lions at least cemented their place at the top of the SA Conference but seriously hard work awaits coach Swys de Bruin and his charges.
The Brumbies ill-discipline caught up to them with both locks sent off – first Rory Arnold for a dangerous tackle on Lions centurion Elton Jantjies in the 62nd minute and then Sam Carter minutes later for pulling down a maul on his own goalline.
Who was the star in this match?
There were not many standout players on either side but the award will have to go to Brumbies fullback Tom Banks, who twice threatened to turn the game on his head by splitting the Lions defence to pieces, firstly with his opening try and then again in the 53rd minute to hand the visitors the lead back at 24-21. His pace is really something to marvel at.
Key moments and themes
Point scorers
Lions – Tries: Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Robbie Coetzee, Ruan Dreyer, Marnus Schoeman, Shaun Reynolds, Lourens Erasmus. Conversions: Elton Jantjies (6).
Brumbies – Tries: Tom Banks (2), Tevita Kuridrani. Conversions: Christian Leali’ifano (3). Penalty: Leali’ifano (1)
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