Lions roar to victory by dominating Edinburgh at home in the URC.
They showcased their prowess in the 2024/2025 United Rugby Championship by crushing Edinburgh 55-21 at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg. This commanding win solidifies the Lions’ strong start to the season and highlights their attacking capabilities.
The Lions unleashed an impressive offensive display, amassing a staggering 48-0 lead by halftime. Rabz Maxwane stole the spotlight with a sensational hat-trick, while Edwill van der Merwe, making his return from injury, contributed a brace. Quan Horn, Francke Horn, and Rynhardt Jonker also added to the scoreline, emphasising the team’s depth in talent.
Kade Wolhuter, despite suffering a hamstring injury during the match, contributed significantly with a penalty and three conversions. Sanele Nohamba and Morne van den Berg joined the scoring with their successful kicks, showcasing the Lions’ overall kicking strength.
Edinburgh’s struggle to keep up
Edinburgh found it challenging to gain momentum, managing only three tries throughout the match. Grant Gilchrist, Patrick Harrison, and Ben Muncaster each crossed the line, but their efforts fell short against the Lions’ relentless offence. Ben Healy and Ross Thompson added conversions, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.
The Lions set the pace right from the start. Kade Wolhuter opened the scoring with a penalty in the third minute, followed swiftly by Quan Horn’s try, which came from an impressive build-up involving Francke Horn and Van der Merwe. Even though Wolhuter missed the conversion, the Lions’ confidence soared.
In the 14th minute, JC Pretorius’s clever offload allowed Maxwane to dart past Darcy Graham for the Lions’ second try. This push established a firm 15-0 lead, pressuring Edinburgh to respond quickly.
A missed opportunity for Edinburgh came in the 17th minute when Ewan Ashman was held up over the try-line. This moment proved pivotal as the Lions capitalised with quick tries from Van der Merwe and Jonker.
By the 31st minute, Maxwane secured his second try, and despite Wolhuter’s injury, the Lions maintained their dominance. With further tries from Horn and Van der Merwe, they surged into halftime with an impressive lead.
Scottish resilience shines through
After the break, Edinburgh showed renewed vigour, with Gilchrist scoring just five minutes in. This boost in confidence led to Harrison’s try in the 51st minute, narrowing the gap as they pushed hard for a comeback.
Despite a fierce battle for possession over the next 25 minutes, Edinburgh managed to score again with Muncaster’s try. They aimed for a try-scoring bonus point, intensifying their attack in the final stages.
Lions seal the victory in style
Ultimately, the Lions finished strong with a last mighty roar. In the 72nd minute, Maxwane completed his hat-trick, sealing a remarkable 55-21 victory. This win highlights the Lions’ attacking flair and sets a powerful tone for the rest of the season.
The Lions’ blend of speed, skill, and strategy ensures they remain a formidable force in the 2024/25 United Rugby Championship. As they continue to build momentum, fans can expect more thrilling performances like this one!
Stay tuned with The South African as the Lions roar to victory over Edinburgh.
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