Match News, United Rugby Championship
26th Sep 2022
The Emirates Lions claimed their first tour victory against Welsh outfit Ospreys at Swansea.com Stadium in Swansea on Saturday night.
The Emirates Lions claimed their first tour victory against Welsh outfit Ospreys at Swansea.com Stadium in Swansea on Saturday night.
Tries by Francke Horn, Sanele Nohamba and speedster Edwill van der Merwe ensured that the men from Johannesburg secured a one-point victory over the much-fancied Ospreys.
The nuggety Nohamba, in his first start for his new team, maintained pressure throughout his time on the field which eventually led to a mistake by Welsh international halfback Rhys Webb, resulting in five-points.
It was however the attitude on defence towards the end of the game which kept the Ellis Park side in the game and eventual winners on the night.
Emirates Lions Head Coach- Ivan van Rooyen:
“We felt that at half-time we gave them two relatively easy tries; it was more individual and systematic errors from our side more than it was individual brilliance.”
“I think we put them under pressure defensively and if we could minimize the penalties and continue working hard we could turn it in our favour which was evident in the last 2-3 minutes. So I am really proud of the effort and character in the 80 minutes but especially in the last quarter of the game.”
The Emirates Lions now head to Cardiff where they are hoping to make it 2/2 on the trot against Cardiff Rugby on 30 September.
Scorers:
Ospreys 27 (19) – Tries: Keelan Giles (2), Rhys Webb, Dewi Lake. Conversions: Jack Walsh (2). Penalty goal: Walsh.
Emirates Lions 28 (13) – Tries: Francke Horn, Sanele Nohamba, Edwill van der Merwe. Conversions: Gianni Lombard (2). Penalty goals: Lombard (3).