Lions stay in the hunt for URC playoffs with big win over Stormers

In doing so, they not only avenged their 29-10 defeat at the hands of the Cape Town outfit back in December, but also lifted themselves to 10th on the table, just two points outside of the top eight and still very much in the hunt for a playoff spot.

It was a tale of two halves as the hosts dominated the first 40, scoring three tries, before the Stormers came roaring back with two tries in the second half - good enough to earn a losing bonus point that keeps them in ninth place on the log.

The Lions played some beautiful running rugby in the first half, the first two created via back-to-back linebreaks from Springbok fullback Quan Horn, with fellow Bok Morne van den Berg also heavily involved.

The third try came courtesy of center Marius Louw when he pounced on a loose ball after Edwill van der Merwe's chip kick over the top was fumbled at the back to give the Lions a formidable 24-6 lead at half-time.

The Stormers came out with intent in the second half and a superb individual effort saw Warrick Gelant cross for their first try.

Lions flyhalf Gianni Lombard kicked two penalties before the visitors continued to fight back, Evan Roos eventually going over for their second try, which set up a tense finish.

The Stormers were looking for two scores in the last 10 minutes to claim a dramatic win, but they had to take a late Matthee penalty to take a single bonus point from the match as the Lions held on for a morale-boosting win. 

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