Griquas scored an 83rd minute try to secure a victory over the Lions in their Currie Cup clash in Johannesburg on Sunday.
The first half saw both sides trade a try, a penalty and a yellow card, but the Lions edged a tight first 40 minutes thanks to a successful conversion from fullback Tiaan Swanepoel, which was not matched by his opposite number. The hosts went into half time leading 10-8.
????-????: ? 10 -8 ?⚪️
Tight first half, the second half promises to be a cracker.#LIOvGRI #CurrieCup | #WhereLegendsRise#LionsPride? pic.twitter.com/eMn1De3AYD— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) April 16, 2023
The second half remained as close as the first, up until the 71st minute where Griquas went ahead with a try from scrumhalf Johan Mulder, converted by Eddie Fouche. The inside centre appeared to have sealed the deal with a penalty goal a few minutes later, but the Lions clawed back with a late try from flanker JC Pretorious. The conversion was unsuccessful, and it seemed the game would end in a stalemate.
Try. Lions
Conv. MissedFidelity ADT Lions 18 – 18 Windhoek Draught Griquas#WhereLegendsRise #WindhoekDraughtGriquas
— Griquas Rugby (@GriquasRugby) April 16, 2023
However, a furious extra-time effort from Griquas was rewarded when prop Cebolenkosi Dlamini powered across the line for a converted try and a 25-18 victory.
? Thriller in Johannesburg!
The @GriquasRugby steal it at the death to claim a heroic victory in the #CurrieCup#WhereLegendsRise pic.twitter.com/Aq5dg2EVlh
— The Currie Cup (@TheCurrieCup) April 16, 2023
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images