Lions score stunning comeback win over shell-shocked Munster

The Lions claimed a stunning come-from-behind United Rugby Championship win over Irish giants Munster at Ellis Park on Saturday.

The Lions won 23-21, after trailing 21-10 at half-time.

AS IT HAPPENED | Lions v Munster

Munster, who were heavy favourites beforehand, outscored the Lions by three tries to two, but the boot of Lions flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse proved vital in their fightback.

Hendrikse was one of the Lions' stars, while flank Vincent Tshituka also produced an industrious performance which earned him the player-of-the-match accolade.

The hosts, crucially, also started dominating at scrum time in the second half when they brought on an entire new front row in the form of PJ Botha, JP Smith and Ruan Dreyer.

The visitors had started like a house on fire, launching attack after attack deep into Lions territory.

They were rewarded for their dominance as early as the seventh minute when tighthead prop John Ryan barged over next to the posts after a concerted period of attack.

Munster continued to boss proceedings, and in the 14th minute loosehead prop Josh Wycherley went over in similar fashion to his front-row partner.

But the Lions slowly clawed their way back into the contest and got on the scoreboard in the 32nd minute when winger Edwill van der Merwe showed great strength to barge over in the corner, in the process bouncing off a hapless Munster defender.

A couple of minutes later, Munster were pinged for obstruction in their own 22 metre area which allowed Hendrikse to easily narrow the gap to 10-14.

Suddenly, it was game on.

Munster, though, had other plans and finished the half strong when lock Fineen Wycherley, brother of prop Josh, finished off another great team try.

That saw Munster take a 21-10 lead into the half-time