Edinburgh vs Lions result: unbeaten Edinburgh win 31-10 as Lions lineout falters

The Lions stayed in the game for 40 minutes of their trip to Edinburgh at Hive Stadium, but a lineout that lost six of their own throws left them short of ball. Edinburgh ran in four second-half tries to win 31-10 with a bonus point on Friday 23 October.

The result keeps Sean Everitt's side unbeaten in the United Rugby Championship with four league wins from four, and they stay top of the table on 19 points. Their 21-year-old scrum-half Hector Patterson scored two tries and set up two more, two days after signing an improved contract with the club on Wednesday 21 October.

A tight first half in the wet

The match was played in wet conditions, and the first half produced few points. Edinburgh led only 5-3 at the break, and the Lions could have gone in ahead. Just before half-time they were awarded a penalty five metres from the Edinburgh line. They chose a scrum over a shot at goal, then knocked the ball on and lost the chance to take the lead.

After the break the home side pulled away. Matt Currie, Mosese Tuipulotu and Geordie Gwynn scored a try each to go with Patterson's two, James Grayson converted twice and Cammy Scott added one more conversion. The Lions' only try came from Batho Hlekani, and Chris Smith converted it and kicked a penalty.

Tribute to Hyron Andrews

The match came a week after the death of Lions lock Hyron Andrews, and it went ahead as planned. In the fifth minute the Hive Stadium crowd applauded in his memory.

Glasgow next for the Lions

The defeat leaves the Lions with two wins from four league matches. They won their first two games at home and have now lost twice in a row away. Their last victory away from South African soil was against Zebre in October 2024, and their only win in Scotland came at the Hive in October 2022.

They get another chance quickly. The Lions stay in Scotland to face Glasgow Warriors on Friday 30 October, while Edinburgh travel to Treviso to play Benetton.