Lions byt vas and triumph

The Lions pulled off one of the most remarkable comebacks in their Super Rugby history when they fought back from being 5-33 down at the start of the second half to beat the Rebels 36-33 in a scintillating round five match.

Replacement flyhalf, Gianni Lombard, slotted the winning penalty after the final hooter had sounded to help the Lions to a quite astonishing victory. 

It was a first defeat for the Rebels this season, but they would have had thoughts of making it four in a row when they went 33-5 up after half-time.

Coach Dave Wessels’ team had produced a powerful performance in the first 42 minutes, running hard and straight at the Lions youngsters, who had no answer to the more powerful visitors and they deservedly led at the break after scoring four tries to the Lions’ opener after just five minutes.

But the Lions then turned the game on its head after Bill Meakes was sent to the sin bin for 10-minute in the 47th minute.

First Marnus Schoeman went over and he was soon followed by replacement back Andries Coetzee before another replacement, Lionel Mapoe, scored a stunner when he beat a lax Quade Cooper to the loose ball in the in-goal area.

Courtnall Skosan then went over with 15 minutes to go, after the irrepressible Kwagga Smith charged down the touchline in another quality performance, for the Lions to draw level at 33-all.

Other weekend results:

Sunwolves 31 Reds 34 

Brumbies 19 Waratahs 13

Chiefs 23 Hurricanes 23

• Kolision course

• Cape fans in for a treat

• Stormers v Jaguares: Get set for a brutal tussle