Lions restore pride

2019-03-09

The Emirates Lions put in an improved performance to beat the Jaguares 47-39 win at Emirates Airline Park on Saturday.

Swys de Bruin’s side ran in seven tries in the victory, while the Jaguares found the try line six times.

The Lions’ forward pack made their presence felt in the opening minutes by pummelling the Jaguares at scrum time. The home side was also intent on mauling in good positions on the field which came to nothing.

Rhyno Herbst and Wandisile Simelane both scored their first tries in Super Rugby, Courtnall Skosan crossed twice while Kwagga Smith, Marnus Schoeman and Elton Jantjies all dotted down.

The visitors’ first points of the game came in the 19th minute via a Joaquin Diaz Bonilla penalty to reduce the deficit to just four points. It was the Jaguares who would have the final say in the first half when hooker Julian Montoya found his way to the try line after a powerful driving maul.

Jantjies converted the tries for a 47-13 scoreline on 51 minutes, while the Jaguares tried to stay in touch with two tries (on 54' and 72').

Annemie Bester