Vodacom Super Rugby Match Report

2019-06-01

Kwagga shines as Lions roar

Kwagga Smith scored two tries as the Emirates Lions banked a crucial 41-22 bonus-point win against the DHL Stormers in Johannesburg on Saturday.

The result sees the Lions leapfrogging the Vodacom Bulls and Sharks into second place on the South African conference log. The five log points has strengthened their bid for a playoff place, with only two regular-season games remaining.

Smith scored his second try after the break as the Lions began to take control. Lionel Mapoe was involved in the buildup, and showed good pace and skill to set up a subsequent try for Courtnall Skosan.

When Aphiwe Dyantyi rounded off another successful strike down the left-hand flank, the Lions seemed to be on course for a comfortable win.

The Stormers came back strongly, though. When Josh Stander scored, it appeared as if the Cape side might deny the Lions a try-scoring bonus point.

 The Lions had the final say, however, scoring late in the piece through replacement Hacjivah Dayimani to secure the five log points.

The result marks the Lions’ first win against a South African team in 2019.

Scorers for the Lions – Tries: Kwagga Smith (2), Andries Coetzee, Courtnall Skosan, Aphiwe Dyantyi, Hacjivah Dayimani. Conversions: Shaun Reynolds (4). Penalty: Reynolds

Annemie Bester