URC: Lions' playoff hopes take a hit in Cardiff thriller

The visitors started the game on the front foot, dominating both possession and territory, and their pressure paid off in the 12th minute when Asenathi Ntlabakanye powered over the try line after a quick tap-and-go penalty. Gianni Lombard added the extras to give the Lions a 7-0 lead.

Cardiff responded in the 21st minute through a surging run from Ben Donnell who crashed over to score, before Callum Sheedy's successful conversion leveled the scores at 7-7.

The Welsh side then took the lead for the first time in the match when Sheedy slotted a penalty in the 32nd minute, punishing a Lions mistake in midfield. Despite sustained pressure from the visitors, Cardiff held onto their narrow 10-7 lead at half-time.

The Lions struck back early in the second half with a penalty from Lombard, making it 10-10. However, Sheedy's boot restored Cardiff's lead at 13-10 following a Lions handling error.

The visitors then took advantage of a crucial mistake by Gabriel Hamer-Webb in the 59th minute, as he stepped out of the 22 before kicking to touch. The Lions capitalized with captain Francke Horn burrowing over for a try, converted by Lombard, to edge ahead 17-13.

But Cardiff were quick to respond, taking full advantage of a telegraphed pass from Marius Louw, which was intercepted by Harri Millard. The Cardiff winger sprinted 50 meters to score, with Sheedy's conversion making it 20-17.

The final minutes were filled with tension. The Lions were reduced to 14 men in the 74th minute when Lombard received a controversial yellow card for what was deemed a deliberate knock-on. With time running out, the visitors earned a last-gasp penalty and went to the corner, but despite multiple attempts to force their way over the line, the referee ruled that the ball had been held up, denying them the win.

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