Lions' URC play-off hopes ended after last-gasp Leinster defeat

Despite leading 26-14 at halftime and having a chance to move up to ninth place with a bonus point win, the Lions lost their composure and ended up losing 39-36 against a Leinster outfit missing all of their international stars.

The first half saw the home side score four impressive tries from Edwill van der Merwe, Gianni Lombard, Marius Louw and Francke Horn to move into a strong position.

Even with 20 minutes left to play, they still enjoyed a 15-point lead but they could not stop Leinster from running riot in the final quarter with two converted tries.

The Gauteng outfit lost the tactical kicking battle and were unable to play themselves out of tight spots. Additionally, they had defensive soft moments that reminded viewers why they had struggled to perform well all season.

Although they showed potential for better stretches of the game, their inability to answer tactical questions posed by Leinster cost them the game, allowing the visitors to apply pressure on their try line.

In the end, after drawing level at 36-36 with time running out, Prendergast's 80th-minute penalty ensured that Leinster kept their unbeaten streak while ending the Lions' slim quarterfinal hopes.