Lions end Ulster's unbeaten run in 12-try duel

MATCH REPORT: The Lions secured a second consecutive win in the United Rugby Championship, overpowering Ulster 49-31 at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Despite the hot and humid conditions, both teams delivered high-tempo, expansive rugby, keeping the crowd on their toes throughout.

*To recap all the action CLICK HERE!!!

A total of 12 tries were scored, with the Johannesburg franchise claiming seven.

Replacement Conrad van Vuuren crossed the line twice, while former Bulls flyhalf Chris Smith contributed significantly with the boot, adding 14 points to the Lions’ tally through four conversions and two penalties.

For Ulster, the result marks their first defeat of the season. However, they earned a bonus point, thanks to five well-worked tries, including a hat-trick from Robert Baloucoune.

The Lions started like a house on fire, and within two minutes they were on the scoreboard thanks to a try from SJ Kotze. Chris Smith added the extras to hand the hosts an early 7-0 lead.

Ulster hit back immediately when Robert Baloucoune produced a moment of individual brilliance – fending off defenders and diving under the posts for a superb five-pointer. Nathan Doak made no mistake with the conversion to level matters at 7-7.

The Lions struck again soon after, with Eduan Keyter finishing off a well-timed offload from Quan Horn. Smith was on target once more, extending the lead to 14-7.

Keyter thought he had bagged his second try of the evening, but a forward pass in the build-up saw the effort ruled out.

Following the water break, Ulster found their rhythm again. A pinpoint cross-kick from Doak was gathered by James Hume, who dotted down to bring the visitors back on level terms.

The Lions were then reduced to 14 men when Asenathi Ntlabakanye was shown a yellow card for a high tackle.

Despite being a man down, the hosts continued to push forward and were rewarded with a penalty, which Smith calmly slotted to restore a 17-14 advantage.

With two minutes remaining in the half, Ulster piled on the pressure inside the Lions’ 22. After several phases of pick-and-go play, Baloucoune crossed in the corner to give the visitors a narrow 19-17 lead at the break.

The Lions came out with pure intent, and at the back of a powerful scrum, Ruan Venter ran straight and burst over the line for the 24–19 lead.

Smith extended the lead with a long-distance penalty kick.

However, the Lions’ defence was very passive as Ulster made some metres before Baloucoune got over in the corner for his hat-trick.

On the hour mark, the Lions got their bonus-point try when Henco van Wyk made a break, before Renzo du Plessis dived over for the fourth try. Smith added the conversion for a 10-point lead.

In the flow of the game, Ulster scored the next points. David McCann went over from close range and Doak added the much-needed two points.

With 10 minutes left on the clock, the Lions found space before Henco van Wyk went over for his team’s fifth try, handing the Jozi side a 39-31 advantage.

The Lions concluded on a high note, as replacement Conraad van Vuuren bagged two tries in the closing minutes, handing his team the well-deserved win.

Man of the match: Lions Chris Smith dictated proceedings well, while Ulster wing Robert Baloucoune also deserves a mention for his great contribution. However, our nod goes to Henco van Wyk. The centre made some strong runs, setting up a team try and also scored a try.

The scorers:

For Lions:
Tries: Kotze, Keyter, Venter, Du Plessis, Van Wyk, Van Vuuren 2
Cons: Smith 4
Pens: Smith 2

For Ulster:
Tries: Baloucoune 3, Hume, McCann
Cons: Doak 3

Yellow card: Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Lions, 26 – high tackle)

Teams:

Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Eduan Keyter, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Bronson Mills, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Nico Steyn, 8 Francke Horn (captain), 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Jarod Cairns, 5 Reinhard Nothnagel, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 Franco Marais, 1 SJ Kotze.
Replacements: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 RF Schoeman, 18 Conraad van Vuuren, 19 Darrien Landsberg, 20 Renzo du Plessis, 21 Layton Horn, 22 Gianni Lombard, 23 Kelly Mpeku.

Ulster: 15 Michael Lowry, 14 Robert Baloucoune, 13 James Hume, 12 Jude Postlethwaite, 11 Zac Ward, 10 Jack Murphy, 9 Nathan Doak, 8 Juarno Augustus, 7 Tom Stewart, 6 David McCann, 5 Joe Hopes, 4 Harry Sheridan, 3 Tom O’Toole, 2 Rob Herring (captain), 1 Sam Crean.
Replacements: 16 James McCormick, 17 Callum Reid, 18 Scott Wilson, 19 Matthew Dalton, 20 Bryn Ward, 21 Conor McKee, 22 Jake Flannery, 23 Werner Kok.

Referee: Ben Connor (Wales)
Assistant referees: Christopher Allison (South Africa), JD Jadezweni (South Africa)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)