Lions come from behind to beat Reds 27-20

Lions 27-20 Reds, Emirates Airlines Park
Scorecard

Lions scored 10 points in the final 15 minutes as they came from behind to beat Queensland Reds 27-20 in their Super Rugby encounter at Emirates Airlines Park.

The visitors were the first to open their account through a penalty kick from Bryce Hegarty in the fifth minute but Tyrone Green led Lions' response after seizing on a grubber kick from Elton Jantjies as he touched down in the seventh minute.

The Australian side once again took back the lead when Jack Cambell took on a pass from Tate McDermott as he dotted down in the 11th minute before Green's second in the 16th minute ensured the teams completed the first quarter levelled at 10-10.

Hegarty's second penalty kick in the 26th minute put Reds in front before Reds lost prop Taniela Tupou to sin bin for multiple offences allowing Lions to gain momentum with Marnus Schoeman's try in the 40th minute as the first half finished with a 17-13 scoreline.

The Reds continued to be hampered by infringements with this time replacement Joshua Nasser yellow-carded in the 45th minute but Lions this time did not make use of the numerical advantage.

Just as the final quarter kicked-off, McDermott dived from close range in the 62nd minute and Hegarty improved it to make it 17-20 before Courtnall Skosan brought the home side back into the game with his try in the 68th minute and a conversion and a penalty kick from Jantjies saw Lions register a seven point victory.

This is Lions' first win of the season as they are positioned fourth in the South African Conference while Reds are at third in Australian group after losing both their opening games.