The Emirates Lions have booked their place in the Round of 16 of the EPCR Challenge Cup in dramatic fashion. This was a result of a nail-biting 30-25 finish on Sunday against Dragons RFC who also qualify for the knockout stages of the competition.

A second half onslaught by the Dragons saw the men from Newport score three second half tries, clawing their way back to within five points after trailing by 22 points at the halftime break. The men from Johannesburg displayed patience and composure on defence which eventually saw them hold onto victory through a Jaco Kriel turnover at the death.

Emirates Lions Head Coach Ivan van Rooyen

“We are obviously happy with the result, especially in a 3-week tour which is usually the toughest week on tour from a mental perspective. I’m also happy with the way the team reacted and adapted after the late venue change.”

Commenting on his team’s second have performance, the Emirates Lions’ mentor noted the need to limit errors at crucial stages.

“The second half was again a situation where we conceded both penalties as well as very little territory dominance. These are aspects which we will continue to work on as we prepare for our next game.

On qualifying for the Round of 16 of the EPCR Challenge Cup

“We are extremely excited to play the Round of 16 against one of the original European powerhouses at home. It will provide our players an opportunity to test themselves once more against the best in the world,” he concluded.

The Emirates Lions next head to Dublin where they will face Connacht Rugby in Round 13 of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship on Saturday evening.

Scorers:

Dragons 25 (5) – Tries: Will Reed, Aki Seiuli, Jordan Williams, Rio Dyer. Conversion: Reed. Penalty goal: JJ Hanrahan.

Emirates Lions 30 (27) – Tries: Quan Horn, Edwill van der Merwe. Conversion: Jordan Hendrikse. Penalty goals: Hendrikse (6).