The Lions secured a much-needed win over the Stormers in their United Rugby Championship (URC) match at Ellis Park, breaking a four-match losing streak in the competition and a six-match losing streak against the Stormers. The hosts put on a dominant first-half performance, scoring three tries and showcasing strong defensive play to take a commanding 24-6 lead into halftime.
The Stormers started strong, but the Lions’ top-notch defense kept them at bay in the early stages of the match. In the 13th minute, the Lions took the lead with a penalty kicked by flyhalf Gianni Lombard after outside centre Henco van Wyk made a break and drew a yellow card from the Stormers’ fullback, Warrick Gelant. The Stormers quickly responded with a penalty of their own, converted by flyhalf Jurie Mathee to level the scores.
However, the Lions continued to dominate with a try from scrumhalf Morne van den Berg in the 19th minute, followed by another try from inside centre Marius Louw just three minutes later. Lombard’s conversions extended the Lions’ lead to 24-6. The first half ended with a strong defensive stand from the Lions, denying the Stormers a try after a 5m lineout.
The Stormers came out firing in the second half, scoring their first try through Gelant in the 44th minute. Despite the Stormers’ efforts, the Lions maintained their lead with penalties from Lombard in the 47th and 59th minutes. A yellow card to Lions wing Richard Kriel gave the Stormers an opportunity, and they capitalized with a try from eighthman Evan Roos in the 69th minute.
In the end, the Lions held on for a 30-23 victory, with the Stormers earning a losing bonus point. This win not only breaks the Lions’ losing streak in the URC but also marks their first victory over the Stormers in six matches. The Lions will look to build on this performance as they continue their URC campaign.
