Praise for 'fearless' Lions
REACTION: The Golden Lions have again managed to produce a sensational comeback to remain one of only two unbeaten teams.
Trailing 10-21 at halftime and 20-28 with just 10 minutes on the clock, the Lions overturned an 11-point deficit courtesy of Shaun Reynolds’ penalty and a converted try by 21-year-old fullback Tyrone Green.
The Gauteng side had a similar comeback against the Pumas in Round 1 where they walked away with a 38-37 win.
The Golden Lions may have been outscored four tries to three however the result is certainly a good testament of the young team’s character and growth.
MATCH REPORT: Western Province v Golden Lions
“With youth comes creativity and fearlessness,” said the Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen. “I’m happy that we are feeling and seeing growth within the squad.
“I know there is still a lot to work on especially in regards to the scrums, however, I’m really proud of my guys.
“They played well and showed some good character to fight until the end. Shaun kicked really well, and I’m so pleased for him. I think he put in a lot of work and effort and it paid off,”
The away win means that the Golden Lions moved into third place on the table with nine points, just one less than the leaders Free State Cheetahs (10 points) and second-placed Griquas (10).
Commenting on the result at Newlands, scrumhalf and captain Ross Cronje said: “An away win is always nice.
“Think we having fun in the team and the enjoyment is back in the camp.
“It was a tough game, very physical, but the guys also threw the ball around a bit, so it was entertaining. It was hard at times and it had absolutely everything – which certainly felt like the old type of Lions rugby,” he added.
The Golden Lions could go top of the table if they secure a win over the log-leaders Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Friday.
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