The Emirates Lions made it four in a row against international opposition when they overcame Scottish giants Edinburgh in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship at Emirates Airline Park.

Head coach, Ivan van Rooyen cautioned prior the fixture that Edinburgh would back themselves to do well after scoring a vital victory in Durban against the Cell C Sharks.

Edinburgh did not make it easy for the home side, with mounting pressure in the first half followed by an opening drop goal by fullback Henry Immelman, heading to the sheds 6-5 leaders.

Emirates Lions flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse and Player of Match for Vincent Tshituka were the main scorers of the day for the home side, ultimately sealing victory in a closely fought encounter.

Could there be any other @Vodacom #URC Man of the Match?#LIOvEDI pic.twitter.com/xYNKKZfXwr

— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) April 2, 2022

Skipper Reinhard Nothnagel praised his side’s determination and resilience in game which saw a mini comeback by Edinburgh in the closing stages.

“Credit must go to our coaching staff for the improvement in most of our fundamentals, especially our defense and lineouts,” said the lock.

“To keep them out towards the end was a remarkable effort by the guys.”

“We pride ourselves in it comes to setpiece play, so we are really pleased that we have improved over the past few weeks,” he included.

The Emirates Lions travel to Durban to face the Cell C Sharks this Saturday in what promises to be a pulsating local derby.

 

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Scorers:

Emirates Lions 15 (5) – Try: Jordan Hendrikse, Vincent Tshituka. Conversion: Jordan Hendrikse. Penalty Goal: Hendrikse.

Edinburgh 9 (6) – Penalty Goals: Emalino Malloti (2). Drop Goal: Henry Immelman.