Flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse marked his return to action with 20 points from the boot as the Lions beat Dragons at Rodney Parade on Sunday to secure a place in the Challenge Cup round of 16.
In a game of two contrasting halves, the Lions streaked into a 22-point lead at the half, only for Dragons to score 20 unanswered points in the second 40.
The Lions were able to cling on for a 30-25 win which ensures they overtake Stade Francais into third place in Pool B.
The Welsh outfit crossed the whitewash first when flyhalf Will Reed touched down rather easily after some weak defence from the Lions. However, the first quarter was otherwise dominated by the visitors as both wingers Quan Horn and Edwill Van Der Merwe scored tries.
Horn crossed first after some slick handling from Marius Louw, and prop JP Smith broke away off the subsequent restart to send Van Der Merwe sprinting over from the halfway line.
Hendrikse’s boot gave the tourists a 21-5 lead inside the first 20.
The hosts were their own worst enemy as unforced errors and poor discipline meant Hendrikse was able to keep the scoreboard ticking with a further two penalties to lead 27-5 at half time.
Hendrikse added an extra three immediately after the break, but this proved to be the Lions’ last points of the afternoon.
The second half was all Dargons as coach Dai Flanagan turned to his bench for answers, and they replied.
Substitute prop Leon Brown powered over the line from a pick and go. Fullback Jordan Williams dotted down next off the back of a well worked backline move five metres out to end the third quarter trailing 17-30.
It went from bad to worse for the Lions as a yellow card to flanker Emile Van Heerden opened the door for the hosts who after a lengthy period of attack finally set youngster Rio Dyer over in the corner setting up a grandstand finish.
Replacement flyhalf JJ Hanrahan’s penalty then took Dragons within five points with two minutes left as they looked set to claim a famous come-from-behind victory.
But the Lions buttoned up just enough to win a penalty in the shadow of their uprights with Dragons on the attack and Hendrikse hoofed the ball into the stands for an important win.
The Lions will now turn their attention back to the Vodacom United Rugby Championship when they travel to Galway to face Connacht next Saturday.
Photo: Gallo Images