The Emirates Lions completed a 32-15 bonus-point victory over the Scarlets from Wales on Sunday afternoon in Round 9 of the United Rugby Championship at a scorching Emirates Airline Park.

Leading 18-5 at half time thanks to five-pointers by speedster Rabz Maxwane and Emmanuel Tshituka, the men from Johannesburg dominated facets of play heading into the sheds.

Head Coach Ivan van Rooyen was pleased with his team’s performance but stressed the importance of improvement every week.

“There were improvements in certain areas compared to our last games. While we made hard work of it, we are pleased with the five points. Plenty of good things we can take out of today’s performance as we look ahead,” said the Lions’ mentor.

“We as a group are at a place now where we just want to keep on going forward and maintain the momentum we currently have,” he concluded.

The Emirates Lions next focus their attention to the EPCR Challenge Cup when they take on Dragons next Saturday at Emirates Airline Park.

Kick-off is at 12:45

Emirates Lions 32 (18) – Tries: Rabz Maxwane, Emmanuel Tshituka (2), Jaco Kriel. Conversions: Jordan Hendrikse (2), Zander du Plessis. Penalty goals: Hendrikse (2).

Scarlets 15 (5) – Tries: Dan Davis, Tom Rogers, Sam Lousi.