Lions Secure First URC Victory in Home Return Against Scarlets. Image credit: Rex Features.
(The Post News) – Lions made their debut in the 2025–26 United Rugby Championship (URC) season by defeating the Scarlets 29–18 with bonus points at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, their first win in four tries.
The South African team returned to familiar ground for round four of the competition after traveling throughout Europe for the first three rounds, and they made the most of their homecoming.
Encouraged to play in front of their home crowd, the Lions gave a far better performance after returning to the Highveld. They scored four tries, with Franco Marais and fullback Quan Horn each scoring, and replacement hooker Morne Brandon made a significant contribution off the bench by snagging a brace to complete the bonus point.
The Welsh visitors struggled to find rhythm and are still without a win after three games in the league, even though the Scarlets showed moments of tenacity and managed to score twice—once via open play and once via a penalty try.
The game started off as a close contest in which both teams were fighting for dominance. The tenacity and defensive effort on display were evident in the Lions’ slim 5-3 lead at the end of the first half. But in the second half, the home team changed tactics, putting pressure on Scarlets and taking advantage of their mistakes to gain ground on the scoreboard.
The Lions’ crucial victory not only moves them up the standings but also gives their campaign much-needed energy as they attempt to capitalize on their home advantage in the coming weeks.
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