An early red card did not deter the Lions as they sped past Racing 92 at Ellis Park to book a spot in the European Challenge Cup quarter-finals.
Despite a red card to flanker Emmanuel Tshituka at the end of the first quarter, the Lions refused to lie down as they beat the French tourists 51-28 on Saturday night.
The Lions started fast with tries from centre Marius Louw and winger Edwill van der Merwe, before Racing prop Thomas Moukoro powered over for the visitors’ first try of the night.
The hosts were reduced to 14 men when Tshituka was shown red for a dangerous fend after a rampaging run, but the Lions kept their foot on the gas as winger Sibahle Maxwane crossed the whitewash minutes later.
A second try from Moukoro reduced Racing’s deficit, but a strike on the 40-minute mark from Lions flanker Ruan Venter secured a 27-14 lead for the hosts at the break.
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Watch LIVE on @SuperSportTV, @beinsports_FR, @ViaPlaySportsUK and @FloRugby ?#ChallengeCupRugby | @LionsRugbyCo pic.twitter.com/WzOu4SGhiF
— EPCR Challenge Cup (@ChallengeCup_) April 1, 2023
Racing flyhalf Ben Volavola’s try opened the second half scoring before the Lions replied with tries from Louw and flyhalf Gianni Lombard to establish a 20-point lead, but Racing winger Donovan Taofifénua struck back with the visitors’ fourth try at the close of the third quarter.
A 66th-minute try from Lions scrumhalf Sanele Nohamba all but buried the contest, before a penalty at the final hooter from fullback Andries Coetzee sealed the deal.
The Lions await the outcome of the match between Glasgow Warriors and Dragons, with a quarter-final in Johannesburg on the cards should Dragons be victorious. Alternatively, they will travel to Scotland for the last eight.
Photo: Twitter/@LionsRugbyCo