10Bet Lions vs Ospreys
BKT URC
10BET Ellis Park
03/10/26
Ospreys try scorers: Keiran Williams (34), Efan Daniel (40+2), Ross Moriarty (80+2)
Conversions: Dan Edwards (35, 80+3)
It was a tough afternoon in Johannesburg as the 10bet Lions came out on top in the second game of our South African tour. The first half was a tight encounter that saw the Ospreys wrestle control after two late tries, but the Lions dominated in the second despite a final Ospreys score.
The Osprey asked early questions of the Lions defence, enjoying the share of posession and territory in the opening exchanges. They came out firing in the lineout, stealing one and winning one in quick succession.
But, the Lions were the first team to put points on the board as they opted for the sticks from a scrum penalty and Chris Smith sent it home. Lions 3 - 0 Ospreys.
Organised defences from both teams meant that opportunities were few and far between in the opening 25 minutes. Ospreys spent an extended period camped in the Lions 22 as the home team eventually recieved a warning. But, the Ospreys rolling maul was brought down after the resulting penalty and the home team cleared their lines.
The first try went to Lions after a turnover at the ruck in midfield. Ospreys were unable to recover and the Lions backs put on the burners to send Cronje over for the finish in the corner. Chris Smith converted. Lions 10 - 0 Ospreys.
Both teams were competing well at the breakdown, forcing whoever was in possession to commit multiple players to the ruck. Spoils from the set piece were divided as Lions got the shove on in the scrum whilst Ospreys dominated the lineout.
TRY FOR THE OSPREYS! Ospreys turned on the burners in the final five minutes. A turnover in midfield sent both Ryan Smith and Kieran Hardy off on the charge. Boshoff then popped a beautiful offload to Keiran Hardy who stepped the last man for the try. Dan Edwards converted. Lions 10 - 7 Ospreys.
TRY FOR THE OSPREYS! A second soon followed as the boys strutted their stuff to work their way down the field. Successive Lions penalties saw the pack go to the faithful maul which parted their opposite numbers and sent Efan Daniel over for the score. Conversion missed, but the half-time lead secured. Lions 10 - 12 Ospreys.
HALF TIME: LIONS 10 - 12 OSPREYS
The Lions came out flying in the second half as home advatange began to show. Power from the scrum and some slick hands in the backs saw them score five unanswered tries to pull well ahead by the the final stages. Chris Smith was having a difficult day on the boot as all five conversion failed to find target. Lions 35 - 12 Ospreys.
Two of these Lions scores came as Ospreys suffered another blow with twenty minutes remaining: Dan Edwards saw yellow for a high tackle, despite a good effort from the fly half to stay low in the contact.
It was a tough afternoon, but Ospreys kept fighting until the very end and were eventually rewarded with a final score. The rolling maul rumbled into action once again and Ross Miroairty crossed for the try. Dan Edwards nailed the cersion. Lions 35 - 19 Ospreys.
FULL TIME: LIONS35 - 19 OSPREYS
Next up, it's Dragons away at Rodney Parade, the first in a derby double header that will kick off life at St Helen's.
Tickets for Ospreys v Dragons on 24 October are now officially SOLD OUT! This initial release has flown out - thank you so much for all your support. More tickets may be released as we work towards increased capacity at St Helen's across October.
But don't despair: there's another Welsh derby just around the corner! Tickets for Ospreys v Cardiff on 31st October are still available. This game is also expected to sell out soon, so don't delay. Grab your tickets now and make sure you're there to be a part of our historic opening month at our new home.
It's only the first time once:
