Particle.news
Download on the App Store
5 ARTICLES
·
yesterday

Benetton Overturn Late Deficit to Beat Lions 26-18 at Ellis Park

A 68th-minute yellow card to Kelly Mpeku swung control to the visitors after the Lions had built a two-score lead.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 06: Rhyno Smith og Benetton with the ball during the EPCR Challenge Cup match between Lions and Benetton Rugby at Ellis Park Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)
Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
Benetton fullback Rhyno Smith and Lions wing Kelly Mpeku compete for the ball during their EPCR Challenge Cup clash at Ellis Park on Saturday afternoon. Picture: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
The Lions and Benetton battling it out in URC action in Treviso in October, will renew their rivalry in the Challenge Cup at Ellis Park on Saturday. Picture: Timothy Rogers/Getty Images

Overview

  • The EPCR Challenge Cup Round One tie flipped in the final 10 minutes as Leonardo Marin crossed twice to erase the Lions' advantage.
  • Replacement flyhalf Tomas Albornoz narrowed the gap with a penalty and then nailed a long-range drop goal in the 79th minute to seal the result.
  • Benetton had opened through Rhyno Smith, while the Lions led 18-8 after Ruan Venter’s try and Chris Smith’s kicks before the momentum shift.
  • Kelly Mpeku had earlier scored for the hosts but his yellow card for a deliberate knock-on created the numerical edge that Benetton exploited.
  • Match coverage named flanker Manuel Zuliani player of the match for his breakdown impact, and the Lions now travel to face Newcastle in Round Two.