Edinburgh Rugby stormed into the quarter-finals of the EPCR Challenge Cup with a convincing 24–12 win over the Emirates Lions at Hive Stadium, built on a blistering first-half display and anchored by standout performances from Wes Goosen and Magnus Bradbury.
The victory secures a home tie in the last eight, where they’ll face either Bayonne or Vodacom Bulls, with the match-up set to be confirmed on Saturday night.
It took just two minutes for the home crowd to find their voice, as Darcy Graham scorched down the flank and set the platform for Goosen to open the scoring and set the tone for a dominant first half. Goosen’s tireless work rate and attacking threat would earn him the EPCR Player of the Match award.
Edinburgh’s physicality was on full display, especially through Bradbury, who consistently got over the gain line and helped keep the Lions on the back foot. Goosen was at it again soon after, bursting clear to set up Ben Vellacott, who showed great balance to leap over a would-be tackler and double the lead.
A rampaging carry from Javan Sebastian added more bite to the Edinburgh attack, and the pressure kept piling on the visitors. The reward came shortly before the break, when Jamie Ritchie muscled over from close range after a sustained spell near the line, making it 17–0 at halftime. The Lions’ woes deepened with Quan Horn sent to the bin just before the break.
The second half wasn’t as free-flowing, with both sides tightening up defensively. Edinburgh were briefly reduced to 14 men when Grant Gilchrist was yellow carded for an off-the-ball tackle, and the Lions took advantage through Francke Horn, who crossed to narrow the gap.
The hosts weathered the storm and turned the tide again thanks to a critical turnover from Freddy Douglas, which set up one last killer blow. A sharp line break from Matt Currie paved the way for Ali Price to score the fourth and final try for the home side, sealing a 24–5 lead with time running out.
A late effort from Jaco Visagie gave the Lions a consolation score, but it was too little, too late. The quarter-final will be held at Hive Stadium, with ticket info rolling out from Sunday for season ticket holders and Monday for general sale.
