Lions come from behind to beat Munster

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The Lions clawed their way back from an 11-point half-time deficit to defeat Munster at Ellis Park on Saturday afternoon.

Trailing the visitors 10-21 at the break, the hosts came alive after Jordan Hendrikse split the uprights from the penalty tee, before he further narrowed the gap on the scoreboard after converting Wandisile Simelane’s touchdown out wide.

And the Lions pivot was on song once again in front of the sticks to give the home side the lead for the first time in the match, before they held on for a 23-21 victory – their second on the trot in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.

Munster had the first opportunity to open the scoring but Jack Crowley’s penalty kick on goal was short, yet he made sure of his follow-up attempt after John Ryan crashed over, with Damian de Allende prominent in the buildup.

The visitors doubled their lead in the 14th minute courtesy of Josh Wycherley, the No 1 getting over the line on the back of strong pick-and-go work from his fellow big men.

The Lions hit back via a Hendrikse penalty to go with a converted try for Edwill van der Merwe, the ball worked quickly through the hands before the speedster brushed off two defenders en route for the corner.

But, on the stroke of half time, a monster run by Fineen Wycherley following a slick offloading sequence had him joining his brother on the scoresheet for Munster, with Crowley making no mistake converting the extras.

The visitors thought they had their fourth try of the match just after the interval through Alex Kendellen, but his effort was ruled out after a TMO review. 

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Devin Hermanus