Lions hand Ulster first URC loss with seven-try win

The Lions scored seven tries to overturn Ulster and record a 49-31 victory at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, dealing the previously unbeaten Irish province its first defeat of the United Rugby Championship season. The Johannesburg side pulled away in the second half after a frenetic opening period, with flyhalf Chris Smith contributing 14 points from four conversions and two penalties.

The contest produced three tries inside the first 10 minutes. Hooker SJ Kotze opened the scoring for the home side, only for Ulster wing Robert Baloucoune to respond with a long solo effort. Eduan Keyter restored the lead for the Lions with a well worked finish after quick ball from a strong scrum sequence. Ulster struck back through centre James Hume and, after exploiting a yellow card shown to Lions prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye for a high tackle, Baloucoune crossed again to give Ulster a 19-17 halftime lead.

The second half belonged to the hosts. Ruan Venter crashed over from close range to put the Lions ahead and Smith extended the margin with a penalty. Baloucoune completed his hattrick with a corner finish that secured Ulster a four-try bonus point, but the Lions’ forwards increasingly...