Flyhalf Kade Wolhuter scored 15 points as the Lions beat Ulster at Ellis Park on Saturday to make a winning start to the 2024-25 URC.
Wolhuter scored one of the Lions’ five tries while conceding four to beat Ulster 35-22.
The Lions roared to a 15-5 half-time lead and scored 20 points after the restart while weathering a late offensive push from Ulster who managed to secure a bonus point in defeat.
The hosts’ five tries came from Wolhuter, flyer Rabz Maxwane, fullback Quan Horn, and the bench duo of hooker Franco Marais and centre Henco van Wyk.
For Ulster, replacement prop Corrie Barrett, scrumhalf John Cooney, former Sharks flyer Werner Kok and flyhalf Aidan Morgan dotted down.
Ulster face another tough challenge in the Republic when they meet the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld next week, while the Lions host Edinburgh at Ellis Park in round 3.