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Lions hand Ulster their first URC defeat of the season
By PA
Ulster suffered their first setback of the United Rugby Championship season, slipping to a 49-31 defeat to the Lions in Johannesburg.
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The Northern Irish side had won each of their first three matches, including two against South African opponents, but came up short in a high-scoring affair at Ellis Park.
Richie Murphy’s side were on course at half-time, leading 19-17 on the back of two tries from Robert Baloucoune and one from James Hume.
SJ Kotze and Eduan Keyter also crossed early for the hosts but it was after half-time that they turned on the style.
Baloucoune completed his hat-trick and David McCann crossed but the tide of scoring from the Lions was relentless as they ran in five more touchdowns courtesy of Ruan Venter, Renzo du Plessis, Henco van Wyk, Conraad van Vuuren and Morne Brandon.
Chris Smith added another 14 points with his boot, with four conversions and two penalties.
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