Weakened Leinster stumble at start of URC title defence in South Africa

Leinster slipped to a 27-26 defeat against the Lions in their United Rugby Championship opener, despite Fintan Gunne scoring a first-half hat-trick.

Gunne opened the scoring for the defending champions just six minutes in after squeezing through the Lions’ defence, but Caspar Gabriel was unable to convert and the hosts soon replied when Erich Cronje touched down and Chris Smith added the extras.

Smith extended their advantage from the tee with a penalty, but Leinster drew level shortly afterwards as Josh Ericson broke through the home defence before offloading to Gunne, who raced over for his second try which Gabriel was able to convert.

Cronje’s try alongside Smith’s subsequent conversion restored the Lions’ lead and although Gabriel missed a penalty, Gunne grounded between the posts to complete his treble and put Leinster 19-17 ahead at the break.

Smith’s penalty got the Lions back in front after the break and Leinster were further frustrated when Dylan McNeice was shown a yellow card in the last 10 minutes, leaving Kelly Mpeku to touch down in the corner for the hosts just before full-time, with Smith’s kick successful.

However, the Lions were handed a scare when SJ Kotze was sent to the sin bin in additional time and Leinster scored at the death when Stephen Smyth’s try was converted by Harry Byrne, snatching a bonus point for Leinster.