Lions claw way back

2019-03-16

Gianni Lombard kicked a last-minute penalty to hand the Emirates Lions a thrilling 36-33 comeback win over the Rebels in their Vodacom Super Rugby clash at Emirates Airline Park on Saturday.

Malcolm Marx, hooker and captain, scored the home team’s only try in the first half, but the Joburg side made far too many mistakes and their defensive line was broken four times in the opening stanza, allowing the Melbourne outfit to build a solid 26-5 half-time lead. The Rebels were on their way to a first ever win over the Emirates Lions, when they raced into a 33-5 lead shortly after the break.

The introduction of a host of replacements off the bench, especially experienced fullback Andries Coetzee, sparked some much needed urgency into the home side. The Rebels’ composure also fell away and they conceded far too many penalties and committed a heap of errors, allowing the red and white jerseys to cash in on their try account.

Marnus Schoeman (flank), Coetzee, Lionel Mapoe (centre) and Courtnall Skosan (wing) each scored a try, while Elton Jantjies added the extras with his conversions.

It was the home side who finally settled this error-strewn encounter in their favour when Lombard slotted the winning penalty after the siren had sounded to complete an improbable but thrilling comeback-win.

The Emirates Lions travel to the Far East to play the Sunwolves in Singapore next week.

Annemie Bester