Perpignan v Lions | Match Report

The Lions, 7th in the United Rugby Champions travelled to 13th placed Top 14 outfit Perpignan in a crucial Challenge Cup match with the winner going through to the Round of 16.

The match got off to a slow start in tricky playing conditions with the rain pouring down and the wind pumping. Perpignan’s Antoine Aucagne gave the French side an early 3-0 lead in the 4th minute.

Lions drew first blood in the 24th minute through a penalty try resulting in Ignacio Ruiz getting 10 minutes in the bin. Chris Smith added another three points to the lead shortly after before Joaquín Oviedo scored Perpignan’s first try in spectacular effort and Antoine Aucagne added the extra two points as the teams headed into halftime locked at 10-10.

Chris Smith put the South African side in the lead in the 58th minute. Lion’s started applying more pressure on the French side in the second half through an improved set-piece performance winning three consecutive scrum penalties but strong defence from Perpignan kept the score down to 10-13 in the first 20 minutes. Eventually, the pressure from the Lion’s pack became too much and Perpignan conceded their second try from the maul in the 64th minute. Smith slotted brilliant kick from the corner to give Lions a 10-20 lead.

Perpignan hit back quickly after a couple of heavy carries from the forwards before sending the ball wide to Freddy Duguivalu who beat two defenders and smashed his way over the line. Antoine Aucagne converted the kick to make it 17-20  and shortly after kicks another penalty over to even the scores at 20-20 with 6 minutes left of the match as Perpignan claw their way back.

In the 80th minute, with the clock in red Lions win a penalty on the 10m near the touchline. Smith has a chat with his captain and Lions opt for touch to set the rolling maul. Lions apply pressure with the forward's picking and carrying from the ruck but in the 83rd minute they get penalsied for not releasing and it finishes 20 a piece with Perpignan powering on to the knockout stages.

Final Score: Perignan 20-20 Lions