Lively Lions steal Pau's thunder

https://www.sarugbymag.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/MATCH-REPORT-EURO-CUP-Lions-.jpg

The Lions got off the mark in the EPCR Challenge Cup with a win against Section Paloise in a 10-try thriller that was twice delayed due to bad weather at Ellis Park on Saturday night.

The lead changed hands four times in this contest, but the Lions’ haul of six tries secured a 43-35 bonus-point win against the touring Top 14 outfit.

The Springbok duo of Edwill van der Merwe and Morne van den Berg were joined on the Lions’ try-scorers list by hooker PJ Botha, loosehead prop Juan Schoeman and lock Ruben Schoeman, while replacement flyhalf Kade Wolhuter added 11 from the tee and English referee Anthony Woodthorpe awarded the hosts a penalty try in the third quarter.

For Pau, flyhalf Axel Desperes scored 20 points to complement tries from former Sharks hooker Dan Jooste, replacement hooker Romain Ruffenach and replacement prop Josselin Bouhier.

The Lions return to Vodacom URC duty next week when they take on the DHL Stormers in Cape Town.

The post Lively Lions steal Pau’s thunder appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

×