Centre Henco van Wyk scored a brace against Connacht at Ellis Park on Saturday as the Lions claimed a sixth consecutive Vodacom URC win.
The 33-21 bonus-point victory moved coach Ivan van Rooyen’s men up to third on the log, with fourth-placed Leinster still to play.
After a tight start to the match, the Lions struck through winger Angelo Davids, who finished in the corner after a wide pass from flyhalf Chris Smith, who slotted the touchline conversion.
The hosts struck again when Van Wyk broke through the defence to score.
Henco van Wyk does it all on his own
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Connacht responded with sustained pressure, but the Lions held firm, stopping their momentum and forcing turnovers at the breakdown.
The pressure shifted late in the half when a turnover created space for centre Richard Kriel to break before releasing flank Siba Mahashe out wide. Smith converted to give the hosts a 21-0 half-time lead.
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The Lions started the second half with intent when No 8 Francke Horn broke through and sent winger Erich Cronje away for the bonus-point try.
Francke Horn puts it on a plate for Erich Cronje
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Connacht capitalised on a numerical advantage after Lions prop SJ Kotze was shown a yellow card, with replacement scrumhalf Matthew Devine scoring and fullback Sam Gilbert converting.
The Lions responded through Van Wyk, who collected a pass from fullback Quan Horn to score his second.
Connacht thought they had another through replacement centre Shayne Bolton, but it was ruled out after a TMO review. Devine then added his second, before No 8 Paul Boyle crossed in the final play.
In the next round, the Lions travel to Dublin to face Leinster, while Connacht return to Galway to host Munster.
LIONS – Tries: Angelo Davids, Henco van Wyk (2), Siba Mahashe, Erich Cronje. Conversions: Chris Smith (4).
CONNACHT – Tries: Matthew Devine (2), Paul Boyle. Conversions: Sam Gilbert (3).
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
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