The Lions started their Vodacom United Rugby Championship campaign with a dramatic 27-26 victory over defending champions Leinster at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Ivan van Rooyen’s side survived a late scare as Leinster crossed twice in the final six minutes to claim two bonus points.

FIRST HALF RECAP: FAST AND FURIOUS START

Leinster struck first through scrumhalf Fintan Gunne, who squeezed over inside six minutes. The Lions responded immediately when Erich Cronje finished off a strong scrum move.

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Chris Smith’s conversion and a follow-up penalty pushed the hosts ahead, but Gunne crossed twice more before halftime. His hat-trick, converted by

Read the full article from The South African Rugby here.