Lions wing Quan Horn is challenged by his Stade Francais counterpart Nadir Megdoud. (Photo by Phill Magakoe/AFP)
A quick start was enough for the lions to mark his first challenge cup win Friday night.
Johannesburg men beat French glamor club French Stadium 30-12 at Ellis Park, after leading 20-5 at halftime.
SUMMARY | Lions 30-12 Stade Francais
The hosts started like a house on fire and built a 20-0 lead in the first half hour.
Winger Quan Horn impressed with some dazzling runs and was rewarded with a couple of tries.
But the Paris men slowly found their footing and entered contention with a try from South African scrum-half James Hall just before half-time. Hall, a former EP Kings player, dove in from close range to give the visitors some hope.
It was a war of attrition in the early parts of the second half, but the Lions effectively sealed the contest when fullback Andries Coetzee completed a fine baseline play in the 60th minute.
Stade Francais fought back and were rewarded with a try by fly half Leo Barre in the 70th minute.
The Lions, however, had the last word, picking up a bonus point on a late try by replacement prop Ruan Smith, who crashed after a series of big carries.
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The Lions drew 31-31 at home against the Welsh Dragons last week and will be delighted to claim their first win in the competition.
The Lions’ next engagement in this competition is on January 14 when they face the Stade Francais in Paris.
Goalscorers:
Lions 30 (20)
Test: Quan Horn (2), Andries Coetzee, Ruan Smith
Conversions: Jordan Hendrikse (2)
Penalties: Hendrikse (2)
French Stadium 12 (5)
Attempts: James Hall, Leo Barre
Conversion: Alex Arrate
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