The Lions secured a crucial 42-26 victory over the Dragons at Ellis Park on Saturday, claiming a valuable bonus point to maintain their push for United Rugby Championship play-off places.

The home side moved up to fourth position on the log following a hard-fought contest that saw them ultimately dominate the final 30 minutes against determined Welsh opposition.

Strong start sets the tone

The Lions began aggressively, pinning the Dragons in their own half before breaking through in the fifth minute. Henco van Wyk’s break found Siba Mahashe, who bulldozed past a defender to score and give the hosts a 5-0 lead.

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The Dragons responded 10 minutes later when outside centre Fine Inisi sliced through the Lions’ backline before feeding partner Aneurin Owen, who crossed easily to level the scores.

Chris Smith’s penalty restored the Lions’ advantage at 8-7 after the visitors were penalised for a ruck infringement.

Lions build momentum

Excellent breakdown work in the 27th minute saw the Lions steal Dragons possession in the visitors’ 22-metre area. Quick hands found Richard Kriel, who sold a brilliant dummy before slipping through the defence to score near the posts. Smith’s conversion extended the lead to 15-7.

However, the Dragons refused to fold, with Owen claiming his second try to narrow the gap to 15-14. Smith’s penalty just before the break gave the Lions an 18-14 half-time advantage.

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Second-half drama

The Dragons struck first after the restart when winger Rio Dyer collected a precise cross-kick from O’Brien, who converted for a 21-18 lead.

The Lions responded immediately through enterprising play that culminated in Smith scoring and converting to reclaim a 25-21 advantage.

Bonus point secured

The home side’s decision to kick for touch rather than goal from a penalty proved decisive. Scrumhalf Nico Steyn collected an offload from Francke Horn to score the bonus-point try, though Smith missed the conversion for a 30-21 lead.

With the Dragons reduced to 14 men for persistent infringements, the Lions seized control. Steyn grabbed his second try in the 62nd minute, collecting a pass as the Lions broke blind from a rolling maul.

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Smith’s conversion established a commanding 37-21 lead with 17 minutes remaining, before Erich Cronje added another try for the hosts. Dyer managed a consolation score for the Dragons in the closing stages.

The victory keeps the Lions firmly in contention for play-off qualification as the URC season enters its crucial phase.