The stage was set for a crucial encounter as the Lions faced Connacht in a United Rugby Championship match at Ellis Park on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Kick-off was scheduled for 4 PM, and the pressure was palpable as the Lions aimed to break a five-game losing streak that had seen them languishing at the bottom of the table.
Jarod Cairns was given the responsibility of starting at No 8 for the Lions, stepping in for the injured Francke Horn. This was a significant change in the loose trio, which also featured JC Pretorius and rookie Renzo du Plessis. The Lions were desperate for a win, needing to secure victories in all three of their remaining matches to have any hope of making the top eight in the URC.
Compounding the Lions' struggles was the absence of Ruan Venter, the one-cap Springbok flanker who had reportedly been involved in a spat with teammate Darrien Landsberg during the previous week's disappointing performance against Benetton. Venter was later listed as injured due to a "knee niggle," which raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike, questioning the team's morale amidst ongoing criticism.
Coach Ivan van Rooyen, however, remained optimistic, stating that his team was "still alive" in the tournament. He made several changes to the squad, including a new centre pairing of Henco van Wyk, returning from injury, and debutant Bronson Mills, who had made waves as a schoolboy star for KES.
On the other side, Connacht arrived at Ellis Park with their own ambitions, having earned two bonus points in a narrow 34-29 loss to the Stormers the previous week. Coach Cullie Tucker acknowledged the Lions' potential threat, stating, "They have a very strong set-piece, good maul, strong scrum, and very good breakdown threats as well – JC Pretorius is one of the top poachers in the league." Tucker's respect for the Lions was evident, noting, "They’ve got some fantastic individual rugby players, like Morné van den Berg at nine and Quan Horn at 15."
As the match commenced, the Lions quickly set the tone. In the 13th minute, Renzo du Plessis crashed over for the first try of the match, putting the Lions ahead 5-0. The excitement built as Kade Wolhuter stepped up to convert, but his attempt went wide, leaving the score at 5-0.
Connacht struggled to find their rhythm early on, and in the 19th minute, Wolhuter added to the Lions' tally with a penalty, extending their lead to 8-0. The Lions continued to apply pressure, and in the 36th minute, Wolhuter struck again with another penalty, making it 11-0 as the teams headed into halftime.
Despite the Lions' strong start, the second half proved to be a test of endurance. Connacht pressed hard, and in the 51st minute, they thought they had scored a try, only for the TMO to disallow it, much to their frustration. The Lions' defense held firm, even as Renzo du Plessis received a yellow card in the 49th minute for a deliberate trip, leaving the Lions a man down.
As the game progressed, the Lions showcased their defensive prowess, and in the 43rd minute, Wolhuter kicked another penalty to bring the score to 14-0. The match was becoming increasingly tense as both teams fought for dominance on the field.
In a moment of brilliance, JC Pretorius scored a try in the 69th minute, making it 19-0. The Lions seemed to have sealed their fate with this score, and the crowd erupted in cheers. However, Connacht was not ready to give up just yet, continuing to push forward in search of points.
Despite their efforts, Connacht struggled to break through the Lions' formidable defense. The Lions, bolstered by their home crowd, managed to keep their opponents at bay, showcasing their determination to end the losing streak.
Throughout the match, the Lions displayed a blend of physicality and tactical acumen, with players like Morné van den Berg and Asenathi Ntlabakanye making significant contributions. The Lions' ability to maintain possession and control the game's pace was evident as they executed their game plan effectively.
As the final whistle approached, the Lions remained resolute, holding onto their lead. The match ended with the Lions triumphing over Connacht, marking a much-needed victory for the beleaguered team. This win not only lifted their spirits but also reignited hopes of making the top eight, albeit with challenges ahead.
The Lions' next matches would be crucial as they aimed to build on this momentum. Coach Van Rooyen expressed relief and pride in his team's performance, stating, "This win shows that we can bounce back when it matters most. We need to carry this energy into our next games." With the URC season drawing to a close, every point would be vital for the Lions as they sought redemption in a season fraught with challenges.
As the fans celebrated the victory, the Lions knew that the road ahead was still tough, but this win was a significant step towards reclaiming their place in the upper echelons of the URC.
