URC: Lions suffer heartbreaking late defeat as Glasgow snatch victory

The Johannesburg side looked set to secure a memorable away win in the URC after overturning a 16-point half-time deficit to lead 20-19 with 10 minutes remaining.

However, Glasgow fullback Ollie Smith crossed for a decisive try in the 75th minute before George Horne added a late penalty to deny the Lions a losing bonus point.

The result was a tough end to a difficult European tour for the Lions, who had already endured the emotional loss of teammate Hyron Andrews during their travels.

Glasgow made the early running and raced into a 19-3 half-time lead, with Fergus Watson, Dan Lancaster and debutant Jack Singleton crossing for tries.

The Lions struggled to contain the hosts' attacking threat, while a yellow card to Etienne Oosthuizen further complicated their task.

However, the Johannesburg side produced a spirited second-half comeback. Morné van den Berg scored in the 50th minute before Siba Mahashe intercepted a pass and crossed in the 65th minute to bring the Lions within four points.

The visitors then took the lead for the first time when replacement hooker Morne Brandon scored from a lineout maul in the 70th minute, putting the Lions 20-19 ahead with nine minutes remaining.

But Glasgow responded through Ollie Smith, who finished a multi-phase attack in the 75th minute, with George Horne converting to restore the Warriors' lead.

Horne then added a late penalty to seal the 29-20 victory, leaving the Lions empty-handed despite their spirited fightback.