It was the first time the Lions were victorious against the Stormers at Ellis Park in five years. Half of the Lions’ points came from the boot of Gianni Lombard, who kicked 15 points in penalties and conversions.

A yellow card for Warrick Galant within the first quarter of the game should have been the first clue for the Stormers that it was not going to be their day. The hosts were simply too good for the visitors in the first half, with tries by scrumhalf Morné van den Berg, Junior Bok Henco van Wyk, and centre Marius Loux exploiting the Stormers’ defence.

The Lions were comfortably ahead by 24-6 at halftime, with Jurie Matthee successful with two penalty kicks for the visitors.

???????? ???????? | Emirates Lions 30 – 23 DHL Stormers
Back to winning ways…#LIOvSTO #ForOurCity@vodacom #URC | #HitsDifferent
#LionsPride?? pic.twitter.com/tzaYnNargE

— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) February 15, 2025

An early try in the second half by Warrick Galant put the Stormers back on track, but two penalty kicks by Lombard put the Lions well ahead again at 30-17. A last-gasp try by Evan Roos and a penalty kick by Matthee was not enough to tame the Lions. 

The win reignited the Lions’ quest for a top-eight spot on the URC log. They are now in 12th place with 23 points. The Stormers are still above them in 10th position, with 24 points.

The Lions host the Sharks next weekend, while the Stormers will have to take on the Bulls at Loftus Versveld.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger cg