Emirates Lions cruised to a 32-15 win over Scarlets at Emirates Airline Park on Sunday – their final United Rugby Championship (URC) game before they debut in the EPCR Challenge Cup.

The Johannesburg-based side, who host another Welsh region in Dragons RFC in their EPCR Challenge Cup Pool B opener on Saturday (10:45 UK & Irish time), ran in four tries for a bonus-point win.

Rabz Maxwane (2), Emmanuel Tshituka and Jaco Kriel all crossed for Emirates Lions, who now sit fifth in the URC, with Jordan Hendrikse showcasing his kicking ability by adding 10 points from the tee.

Scarlets’ difficult start to the campaign continued as they slumped to a seventh defeat in their first nine games, with Dan Davies, Tom Rogers and Sam Lousi notching consolation scores for the second-bottom side.

Scarlets will be hoping the EPCR Challenge Cup can provide a fresh start as they welcome TOP 14 outfit Aviron Bayonnais on Sunday (15:15 UK & Irish time).