The Lions ended their winless start to the Vodacom United Rugby Championship with a 29–16 victory over the Scarlets at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Backed as 1.20 favourites on Betway, the hosts justified the odds with a powerful second-half display that earned a bonus-point win and lifted them off the bottom of the standings.
Both sides entered under pressure, with neither having registered a win this season. The opening half reflected that tension, marked by errors and penalties. Sam Costelow opened the scoring with a penalty for the visitors before Quan Horn crossed in the corner after sustained Lions pressure, handing the hosts a narrow 5–3 halftime lead.
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The Lions’ set piece proved decisive after the break. Replacement flanker Jarod Cairns sparked momentum at the breakdown, leading to a Chris Smith penalty to extend the lead. Smith later departed for a head injury, but Gianni Lombard stepped up to maintain control with another three-pointer. The Lions’ maul dominance was rewarded when Franco Marais crashed over, pushing the score to 16–6.
A yellow card to Darrien Landsberg gave Scarlets a brief lifeline through a penalty try, narrowing the gap to 16–13, but the hosts pulled away late. Replacement prop Morne Brandon scored twice in quick succession, combining well with scrumhalf Nico Steyn.
A late Joe Roberts try trimmed the margin, but a final Smith penalty confirmed a 29–16 bonus-point win in Johannesburg.
The Lions host Ulster in the next round, while the Scarlets travel to Durban to face the Sharks.
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Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
