Section Paloise faced a challenging match against the Lions at the iconic Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg, resulting in a 43-35 defeat amid severe weather conditions. The match, part of the Challenge Cup, witnessed heavy rain which led to the game’s delays and interruptions, affecting both teams’ performances.
Despite the inclement weather causing the kickoff to be postponed, Section Paloise demonstrated resilience early on. They took the lead shortly after the match began, with initial momentum built from effective plays leading to points on the board.
Ten minutes in, Paloise’s Jooste made significant ground after receiving the ball from Arfeuil, scoring the first try which gave them early hope at 7-0. The Lions quickly responded, as Van der Merwe showcased his strength with an impressive individual effort to level the score shortly thereafter.
Throughout the first half, both teams exchanged points fiercely. Despite the rain causing slippery conditions, Section Paloise kept their composure, with Desperes contributing valuable scores through penalties, even regaining the lead to make it 16-14 before halftime. Yet, just before the break, the Lions struck again with their own try, leading at 19-16 as teams headed to halftime.
The second half resumed under similarly taxing conditions, but the Palois seemed to regain their footing. Within minutes of the restart, Desperes executed another perfect run, and the scores swung to 23-19, igniting hopes of victory even amid the heavy downpour.
But trouble brewed for the visitors as two of their players, Kpoku and Arfeuil, received yellow cards almost simultaneously. This sudden lack of manpower allowed the Lions to capitalize efficiently, scoring two quick tries to shift the momentum dramatically. With the home side up 33-23, the match was halted again due to thunderstorm warnings, which added even more tension to the atmosphere.
Once play resumed, the Lions took full advantage of the created opportunities, extending their lead to 40-23 following Schoeman's powerful try, which seemed to secure their position. Nevertheless, Section Paloise showcased tenacity, crafting strong counterattacks, and managed to score again through Ruffenach and Bouthier, capturing four tries total and ensuring they left the pitch with at least one bonus point after the final score settled at 43-35.
Throughout this intense encounter, the Palois demonstrated potential but succumbed to the pressures of both the weather and the Lions’ relentless offensive strategy. Post-match reports indicated the Lions' victory was pivotal, allowing them to reposition themselves favorably for future fixtures within the Challenge Cup's second-round stages.
Despite this loss, Section Paloise showed resolve, setting their eyes on the future with important matches on the horizon, including their upcoming trip to face Toulon. This clash showcased both the challenges and the spirit of rugby, especially under harsh weather conditions, and surely contributed to the growing competitive narrative of this year’s Challenge Cup.