The Lions moved back into the Super Rugby play-off places by overcoming the Stormers 41-22 in a high-scoring encounter on Saturday.

Kwagga Smith took advantage of some poor defending in the 10th minute as the Lions were swiftly out of the blocks.

Andries Coetzee's try extended the home side's lead in the 35th minute, but the Stormers struck back before the interval through Johan du Toit to make it 13-10.

But the Lions took the game away from their visitors in the second half - Smith helping himself to a second and Courtnall Skosan and Aphiwe Dyantyi getting in on the act.

And though Joshua Stander's try gave the Stormers hope, Hacjivah Dayimani raced over with two minutes remaining to wrap up the win.

With an added bonus point for their efforts, the Lions moved up to second in the South Africa Conference, while the Stormers remained bottom.