It is their first win of the season after they tasted defeat last week in Argentina. The Highvelders led 17-13 at halftime.

The Reds had the upper-hand in the lineouts and scrums, where they enjoyed a big weight advantage. However, the visitors struggled in general play mainly because of too many handling errors. The home scrum improved in the second half when the replacement forwards were sent onto the field.

Green was a livewire and he almost bagged a hat-trick of tries. He was foiled just in time by Australian wing Henry Speight, who produced a textbook cover tackle to stop a certain try. 
 
Green scored the opening two tries for the home side while loose forward Marnus Schoeman added a third on the stroke of halftime.

Springbok wing Courtnall Skosan scored his first try of the new season 13 minutes from time, which skipper Elton Jantjies converted. Jantjies then slotted a late penalty to secure the 27-20 win.

Jock Campbell and Tate McDermott scored a try each for the Reds, while Bryce Hegarty added two conversions and two penalty goals.

Scorers:

Emirates Lions (17) 27  – Tries: Tyrone Green (2), Marnus Schoeman, Courtnall Skosan. Conversion: Elton Jantjies (2). Penalty: Jantjies.

Reds (10) 20 – Tries: Jock Campbell, Tate McDermott. Conversions: Bryce Hegarty (2). Penalties: Hegarty (2).