The Lions scored three late tries for 19 points to stun Benetton Rugby in the United Rugby Championship match in Treviso on Saturday.
The Lions won 32-28 after trailing 21-13 at halftime and 28-13 with 18 minutes left.
But late tries by Emmanuel Tshituka, who got two, and Rabz Maxwane, with Sanele Nohamba converting both, ensured the Lions picked up their third win on the trot in the competition.
Three in a row
Before the two-week break before this weekend’s round of 16 fixtures, the Lions also beat Glasgow Warriors and Bulls.
The Lions were at the back for much of Saturday’s encounter, a leaky defense that proved costly at times.
While Nohamba opened the scoring with an 18th minute penalty, Benetton scored tries by Joaquin Riera and Marcus Watson to lead 14-3 after 27 minutes.
The Lions hit back through Quan Horn, who finished after the Pack had made a good meter and Ruan Venter stopped near the tryline, to close the gap, but Benetton ended the first half with all the momentum after Siua Maile’s try from the lineout. driving.
Benetton went up 28-13
Nohamba, like at the beginning of the game, opened the scoring in the second half with a penalty, but was then sent to sinbin for a deliberate knock-on.
And it got worse for the Lions when Henry Stowers went over for a converted try for the home team in the 59th minute to put Benetton 28-13 up. But the home team would not score again.
It was then the Lions’ show as they scored three tries in seven minutes between the 62nd and 69th minutes and shut down Benetton for the rest of the game to register a stunning victory.