Lions, Dragons play to thrilling high-scoring draw in SA’s Challenge Cup foray

Wing Edwill van der Merwe scored twice as the Lions and Dragons played to a thrilling 31-31 draw in a familiar-looking Challenge Cup contest at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Substitute flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse almost slotted a 60m penalty but narrowly missed wide left, which would have given the hosts victory well after the hooter.

But on the balance of play, the two sides were neck-and-neck in the game that had a United Rugby Championship feel to it.

AS IT HAPPENED | Challenge Cup: Lions v Dragons

The visitors opened the try-scoring when Jordan Williams touched down inside the first 10 minutes.

Moments later flyhalf Gianni Lombard scored the Lions’ first try in the European Challenge Cup, benefiting from a multiphase move, numerous rumbles by the forwards, before the flyhalf spun his way to the try line.

Ten minutes before the break, Asenathi Ntlabakanye got the Lions’ second to pull the hosts level at 17-all following the conversion, after the visitors had gone ahead by seven when Dragons scrumhalf Rhodri Williams dotted down earlier.

But Dragons flyhalf Sam Davies put the Welsh ahead once again with five minutes to go before the break when he leaped to the try line for their third touchdown of the defence-less contest.

After going into half-time 24-17 behind, the Lions struck first in the second through Van der Merwe, who collected a deft Hendrikse kick-through to score.

Van der Merwe struck again in a trice, showing great support play to Jaco Kriel, who broke in typical Jaco Kriel style before offloading to the pacy winger.

But minutes before the hour, the Dragons hit back after displaying their best attacking period of the half, which led to Jack Dixon scoring their fourth try to tie matters 31-all.

With the score locked at