The Lions fought hard in defeat to La Rochelle at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre on Saturday, while honouring teammate Hyron Andrews, who died on Friday.
Making their Investec Champions Cup debut, coach Ivan van Rooyen’s men went toe-to-toe with the two-time European champions for 60 minutes before going down 31-14.
The match went ahead despite Andrews’ death, with his teammates and management deciding to honour him by taking the field.
A minute’s silence was held before kick-off, with a Lions No 5 jersey placed in front of the players, some of who were in tears.
Une minute de silence en mémoire d’Hyron
Un échange de maillots entre les deux clubs, mais surtout un beau message de solidarité : toute la famille du rugby est à vos côtés, les 10bet Lions
@beinsports_FR
#InvestecChampionsCup https://t.co/dt7nFgrPHF
— Investec Champions Cup France (@ChampionsCup_FR) October 17, 2026
The emotionally charged visitors made a strong start, with centre Henco van Wyk powering over for a try and flyhalf Chris Smith adding the extras.
A try that means so much to the 10Bet Lions
Henco van Wyk powers over
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) October 17, 2026
La Rochelle responded when flyhalf Antoine Hastoy’s long pass put wing Tevita Ofa over for a try on his club debut. Hastoy nailed the touchline conversion.
The Lions were reduced to 14 men when flank Siba Mahashe was yellow-carded for repeated team infringements at the ruck, and La Rochelle flank Oscar Jegou went over from close range soon afterwards.
But La Rochelle hooker Pierre Bourgarit was then yellow-carded for a deliberate knock-on and his Lions counterpart, Morné Brandon, scored a converted try.
The hosts regained the lead just before the break when left wing Davit Niniashvili collected a cross-kick to make it 19-14 at half-time.
It bounces perfectly for Davit Niniashvili 🟡🤌
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) October 17, 2026
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Bok lock Salmaan Moerat came on at the start of the second half to make his La Rochelle debut, with former Bok wing Dillyn Leyds joining him on the field towards the end of a tight third quarter.
On the hour mark, replacement hooker Tolu Latu scored from a lineout maul to extend the hosts’ lead to 10 points. The Lions responded strongly, but centre Bronson Mills lost possession with the tryline in sight.
Lions replacement scrumhalf Nico Steyn then appeared to have scored following a midfield break by Richard Kriel, only for the TMO to spot a forward pass in the build-up.
La Rochelle put the result beyond doubt when replacement fullback Avakuki Niusalelekitoga scored in the corner on his club debut.
The Lions now turn their attention back to the URC, with tour matches against Edinburgh and the Glasgow Warriors over the next fortnight. Their next Champions Cup fixture is at home against six-time winners Toulouse on 12 December.
LA ROCHELLE – Tries: Tevita Ofa, Oscar Jegou, Pierre Bourgarit, Tolu Latu, Avakuki Niusalelekitoga. Conversions: Antoine Hastoy (3).
LIONS – Tries: Henco van Wyk, Morné Brandon. Conversions: Chris Smith (2).
Photo: Manuel Blondeau/INPHO
The post Gutsy Lions do Hyron proud appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Lions fought hard in defeat to La Rochelle at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre on Saturday, while honouring teammate Hyron Andrews, who died on Friday.
The post Gutsy Lions do Hyron proud appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
