Sloppy Lions fall to URC rivals Ospreys, still qualify for Challenge Cup knockouts

The Lions delivered a sloppy performance in their European Challenge Cup clash against Ospreys at Ellis Park on Sunday, falling to a disappointing 38-28 defeat. 

Discipline, in particular, was an issue for the hosts, who conceded three tries in the final eight minutes of the contest to throw away victory. 

The result means that the Lions finish in fourth place in Pool 2 of the competition behind Benetton, Montpellier and Ospreys and while they have qualified for the round of 16, they will now play that match away from home. 

The Lions held an 18-14 lead at half-time, but despite getting themselves into promising attacking positions throughout the contest, they were never able to stretch their lead into a position of comfort. 

Still, they were 28-17 ahead going into the final 10 minutes and would have been fairly certain of victory from that point. 

It was not to be, however, and a combination of defensive errors, poor decision-making and a numerical disadvantage of being down to 14 men saw the Lions remarkably conceded three quick tries. 

Scorers:

Lions 28 (18)

Tries: Marius Louw (2), JC Pretorius, Morne van den Berg

Conversions: Sanele Nohamba 

Penalties: Nohamba (2)

Ospreys 38 (14)

Tries: Owen Watkin, George North, Keelan Giles, Cameron Jones, Morgan Morse

Conversions: Daniel Edwards (2), Jack Walsh (3)

Penalties: Edwards