A win is much welcomed this week after losing to Ulster in Belfast last week. The hosts enjoyed a massive victory after returning from tour claiming 9 tries to 3 against the Italian side. The game started strong for the Lions, managing to gain a 12-0 lead only 9 minutes into the game. With tries from Edwill Van der Merwe and Richard Kriel as well as Francke Horn being well rounded by Sanele Nohamba’s two conversions, the Lions were close to a half time bonus point. 

Fullback Quan Horn dotted over the line in the 29th minute securing the bonus point before heading into halftime leaving the Lions with a lot of confidence in tow ahead of the second half as the score stood at 33-7.

The second half saw a good fight from both sides as Zebre pushed to close the gap. Starting strong, it was the visitors who dotted down first with a second try from Simone Gesi. Zebre’s Jacopo Trulla also scored points for the Italians but the feeling of closing the gap was short lived as the Lions took over strongly from there.

Van Wyk, Van den Berg, Van Der Merwe and Emmanuel Tshituka dotted down and with more conversions from Nohamba as well as Willem Alberts’ conversion on the buzz, the Lions managed a massive bonus point lead and boost in their URC standings.

After their win, they are now placed 9th on the log ahead of the Stormers who have now moved down to 11th. 

Next week the focus will be on the Welsh as the Lions take on the Dragons next Saturday.

Scorers:

Lions 

Tries: Henco van Wyk (2), Edwill van der Merwe (2) Richard Kriel, Francke Horn, Quan Horn, Morne van den Berg, Emmanuel Tshituka

Conversions: Sanele Nohamba (7), Willem Alberts

Zebre

Tries: Simone Gesi (2), Jacopo Trulla

Conversions: Giovanni Montemauri (2)