The Emirates Lions finally found their rhythm, securing a much-needed victory over Connacht with a decisive 26-7 win in their United Rugby Championship clash at Ellis Park on April 26, 2025. This victory marked the end of a frustrating five-match losing streak for the Johannesburg side, giving them a glimmer of hope in their quest for a playoff spot.
Renzo du Plessis, who was named Player of the Match, ignited the Lions' performance with a try in the 13th minute, showcasing his talent and energy on the field. Despite a missed conversion by flyhalf Kade Wolhuter, the Lions quickly established their dominance. Wolhuter then converted a penalty in the 18th minute, extending the lead to 8-0 before adding another penalty just before halftime to make it 11-0.
The first half was characterized by a cautious approach from both teams, with the Lions aiming to minimize errors after a string of disappointing performances. Connacht, on the other hand, struggled to find their footing, appearing a shadow of the team that had nearly pulled off a dramatic win against the Stormers the previous week.
As the second half unfolded, the Lions continued to build on their lead with Wolhuter's third penalty shortly after the restart, bringing the score to 14-0. However, Du Plessis found himself in the sin-bin for a tripping offense in the 49th minute, temporarily leaving the Lions with 14 players.
Connacht seized the opportunity and thought they had scored when Dylan Tierney-Martin crossed the line from a rolling maul, but the try was disallowed due to a technical infringement. This moment exemplified Connacht's struggle to capitalize on their chances, a recurring theme throughout the match.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, the Lions maintained their composure and struck again with a try from JC Pretorius in the 70th minute, following a slick offload from Jarod Cairns. This increased the score to 19-0. Connacht finally managed to breach the Lions' defense with a late try from Eoin de Buitlear, who scored in the 73rd minute, and David Hawkshaw successfully converted, reducing the deficit to 19-7.
But the Lions were not finished yet. In a thrilling finish, Edwill van der Merwe pounced on a loose ball and raced clear to score, making the final score 26-7. This was a much-needed boost for the Lions as they look to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, now sitting in 13th place in the URC standings.
“We did not show the best side of ourselves,” lamented Connacht captain Cian Prendergast after the match. “Not smart with the ball, not smart with our energy management in the Highveld. The tour sums our season.”
Connacht's defeat was a significant blow to their playoff aspirations, as they now sit in 14th place, five points adrift of the top eight with only two matches remaining. Coach Cullie Tucker expressed his frustration with the performance, noting that the team failed to build pressure and made too many errors, particularly in crucial areas like the lineout and ruck.
For the Lions, this victory not only halted their losing streak but also provided a much-needed confidence boost. The team's work ethic and discipline were evident throughout the match, with props Morgan Naude and Asenathi Ntlabakanye leading the charge in the forward pack. Du Plessis's energetic performance was a highlight, and his ability to spark the team into action was crucial to their success.
As the Lions prepare for their next challenge, they will need to build on this performance and continue to develop their game if they hope to secure a playoff spot. With their playoff hopes still alive, the Lions can take heart from this victory and the contributions of their key players, particularly Du Plessis and Wolhuter.
The match showcased the resilience of the Lions and the challenges faced by Connacht, providing a stark contrast to the thrilling encounters seen earlier in the season. As the URC season progresses, both teams will be looking to refine their strategies and improve their standings in the league.
In summary, the Emirates Lions' 26-7 victory over Connacht was a pivotal moment in their season, offering a much-needed spark as they chase a place in the playoffs. With two matches remaining, the Lions will hope to carry this momentum forward, while Connacht must regroup and refocus for their upcoming fixtures.
