Lions 'B-Team' gets one over Pumas
MATCH REPORT: The Lions, resting the bulk of the first-team starters, came from behind to record a 22-19 win over the Pumas in a pre-season outing at Ellis Park on Thursday.
The Pumas scored the only points in the first half – hooker Llewellyn Classen going over to give the visitors a 5-0 lead at half-time.
The hosts went ahead when scrumhalf Johan Mulder scored early in the second half and flyhalf Kade Wolhuter converted.
However, the Pumas took control of the scoreboard when left wing Phiko Sobahle went over twice – flyhalf Brandon Thomson converting both for a 19-7 lead.
The Lions launched a succession of raids into the visitors territory – with centre Zander du Plessis, replacement Nico Steyn and flank Renzo du Plessis all crossing for unconverted tries in a sensational comeback.
The scorers
For the Lions
Tries: Mulder, Z du Plessis, Steyn, R du Plessis
Con: Wolhuter
For the Pumas
Tries: Claasen, Sobahle 2
Cons: Thomson 2
Teams:
Lions XV: 15 Andries Coetzee (captain), 14 Stean Pienaar, 13 Manuel Rass, 12 Zander du Plessis, 11 Keagan Smith, 10 Kade Wolhuter, 9 Johan Mulder, 8 Sibusiso Sangweni, 7 Izan Esterhuizen, 6 Renzo du Plessis, 5 Ruan Delport, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Sivu Mabece, 2 Morné Brandon, 1 Ruan Smith
Replacements: 16 Jacques-Lois du Toit, 17 SJ Kotze, 18 Heiko Pohlman, 19 Raynard Roets, 20 Nico Steyn, 21 Tyler Bocks, 22 Bronson Mills
Pumas: 15 Tino Swanepoel, 14 Stefan Coetzee, 13 Theuns Pretorius, 12 Clinton Swart, 11 Phiko Sobahle, 10 Brandon Thomson, 9 Ross Braude, 8 Kwanda Dimaza, 7 Ruward van der Merwe, 6 Jaco Labuschagne, 5 Shane Kirkwood (captain), 4 Jeandre Leonard, 3 Sampie Swiegers, 2 Llewellyn Classen, 1 Dewald Maritz.
Replacements: 16 Darnell Osuagwu, 17 Etienne Janeke, 18 Munashe Mhere, 19 Junior White, 20 Andre Fouche, 21 PJ Jacobs, 22 Giovan Snyman, 23 Andrew Kota, 24 Wian van Niekerk, 25 Kabelo Mokoena, 26 De-An Ackermann
Referee: AJ Jacobs
Assistant referees: Ruan Benadie, Daniel Matthee
