EPCR CHAMPIONS CUP
Mike Greenaway|Published
The Lions were beaten 31–14 by La Rochelle on Saturday night, but they left Stade Marcel-Deflandre with their heads held high and their hearts full after giving everything for the late Hyron Andrews.
The scenes before kick-off were heart-wrenching. You could have heard a pin drop during the minute's silence for Andrews, and tears flowed among the Lions players when captain Francke Horn laid the late lock's No 5 jersey on the pitch.
That poignant tribute, matched by the impeccable respect of the French crowd, seemed to inspire the visitors into a fearless start.
They won an early scrum deep in La Rochelle territory, and as the pack surged forward, centre Henco van Wyk crashed over for the opening try.
The home side gradually wrestled back control. After 15 minutes of sustained pressure, Kiwi wing Tevita Ofatui finished off a multi-phase attack before France flank Oscar Jegou wriggled over for another.
The Lions' task became even harder when openside flank Siba Mahashe was sent to the sin bin for a deliberate offside.
Still, they refused to buckle.
La Rochelle had two players yellow-carded for deliberate slap-downs while scrambling to stop Lions attacks, and the sustained pressure finally told when hooker Morne Brandon barged over.
Chris Smith's conversion levelled the scores at 14–14.
But the hosts landed a crucial blow before half-time as Georgian speedster Davit Niniashvili was released into space and sprinted over in the corner.
The Lions emerged after the break full of intent. Their scrum was gaining the upper hand, but a wayward lineout throw squandered a promising attacking opportunity.
There was always a suspicion that the emotional burden the squad had carried since Friday morning's tragedy would eventually take its toll.
It did.
With 20 minutes remaining, La Rochelle's powerful pack rumbled towards the line from a lineout before Tongan hooker Tolu Latu finished the drive.
The Lions kept fighting to the end and thought they had found a lifeline when Nico Steyn crossed, only for the TMO to rule out the try for a forward pass. Replays suggested it was a tight call.
Moments later, La Rochelle delivered the knockout blow as flying Fijian winger Avakuki Niusalelekitoka raced away to seal a 31–14 victory.
The scoreboard belonged to La Rochelle. The courage shown by the Lions belonged to Hyron Andrews.
Point-scorers
Lions – Tries: Henco van Wyk, Morne Brandon. Conversions: Chris Smith (2).
La Rochelle – Tries: Tevita Ofaz, Oscar Jegou, Davit Niniashvili, Tolu Latu, Avakuki Niusalelekitoka. Conversions: Antoine Hastoy (3).