Challenge Cup – In the South African deluge, Pau ends up losing to the Lions

The Palois have been on an expedition to Johannesburg since Monday and this trip to South Africa. A delicate trip to negotiate before the end of December which will be essential for the club, a boon also for young elements in the making, assisted by a few executives against the Lions to try to do well. While the kick-off had been delayed by a good hour, following heavy storms which hit the area, the Palois did not seem to be helpless by the elements. After a nice raid in his Arfeuil corridor relayed by Souverbie, Jooste picked up the ball and headed to the promised land (0-7, 10th). The response didn't take long, since Van der Merwe scored at the end of the line after a powerful number from his wing and rapid transitions (7-7, 13th).

The Section did not shy away from the effort, Desperes adding three points after an offside position for the locals (7-10, 17th). The Johannesburg players showed more effort despite the more than humid conditions, and after Louw crossed in the center of the field, scrum-half Van der Berg energetically scored a new try near the ruck (14- 10, 22nd). Sébastien Piqueronies' men still did not give up, offering good sequences. Desperes twice, will find the way to the posts, validating a good overall work (14-16, 38th). However, the locals will make a final highlight on a well-driven ball, on which Botha dives for the third try (19-16, 40th). Pau was not very far from the truth, what would happen next?

Terrible conditions, the Section eventually declines

In the desert enclosure of Ellis Park Stadium, the rain was returning. If the Palois did not hold it against it, Desperes delivered an ideal race to allow his team to regain the advantage (19-23, 45th). The South Africans, stung, were ramping up. While Kpoku and Arfeuil were asked to join the sidelines on respective yellow cards allowing the Lions to score two tries in quick succession (33-23, 55th). Problem, storms broke out again near the stadium and Mr. Woodthorpe logically asked all the actors to return to the locker room, while the storm cell moved. The interruption lasted more than 25 minutes, and the rest of the events saw the locals increase their lead with a strong try from Schoeman (40-23, 62nd). Ruffenach (64th) and Bouthier (75th) will allow the Béarnais to take the offensive bonus point by scoring 4 tries (43-35, 80th) and not to travel empty after a rather tortuous scenario and progress.

The Lions carry out the great operation at home. An improved victory which allows Ivan van Rooyen's men to put themselves back in the race for qualification within group 2. Something to see ahead for the future, with another Rugby atmosphere which will arrive and the trip to the Stormers during the eighth day of the United Rugby Championship.

The Pau Section tried to go the distance, in vain. Faced with the proposed density, the Béarnais were unable to compete over time and narrowly lost to South Africa in the flood of Johannesburg. Despite everything, a point in Pau's pocket as an important trip to Toulon looms next week.