Lions edge Leinster 27-26 in URC opener

The Lions opened their United Rugby Championship campaign with a 27-26 win over Leinster at Ellis Park on Saturday, overcoming a first-half hat-trick by scrumhalf Fintan Gunne before holding on through a tense finish. Leinster’s converted try after time had expired narrowed the margin to one point. Gunne scored all three of Leinster’s first-half tries, helping the visitors take a 19-17 lead into the break. The Lions replied with two tries from winger Erich Cronje, while Chris Smith added conversions and penalty points. The opening half swung between the teams as each capitalized on attacking breaks and pressure near the try line. Smith’s penalty after the restart put the Lions back in front. Leinster then lost replacement Dylan McNeice to a yellow card in the final 10 minutes, and the home side used its numerical advantage to attack wide. Smith’s cross-kick set up Kelly Mpeku to score in the corner, with Smith converting to make it 27-19. The match remained unsettled in the closing moments. Lions replacement prop SJ Kotze was shown a yellow card, and Leinster took advantage: replacement hooker Stephen Smyth scored, and Harry Byrne converted.