Emirates Lions narrowly edge out Pumas in Joburg

An Emirates Lions XV came from behind to beat the Airlink Pumas 22-19 in a hard-fought friendly match at Emirates Airlines Park in Johannesburg on Thursday afternoon.

The Pumas, who are preparing for the SA Cup, a new competition competed for by the 10 non-Vodacom United Rugby Championship teams that will kick off on 21 March, started strongly and led 5-0 at halftime through a try from Llewellyn Claasen.

However, the Lions overturned the team from the Lowveld’s advantage after halftime by scoring four tries through Johan Mulder, Zander du Plessis, Nico Steyn and Renzo du Plessis. 

Phiko Sobale scored a brace of tries but it did not prevent his team going down in a match that was a good exercise for both sides as they get ready for the different challenges they face in the coming weeks.