Lions lick wounds after NZ thrashing

THE brave Emirates Lions team went down to the Hurricanes of New Zealand in the finals of the Vodacom Super Rugby tournament which was played on Saturday, August 6.

The Hurricanes defeated the Emirates Lions 20-3 at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington. The Canes were 10-3 in front at the halftime break.

Although the Lions failed in their bid to win their first Vodacom Super Rugby crown, the side from the Highveld can be proud of their achievements the past season, which was their best ever showing in the demanding competition. Up to the final match, the Emirates Lions proved to be the most attacking side in the competition and they won many plaudits with their exciting brand of rugby.

On Saturday morning, however, they had to deal with wet and cold conditions, plus a Hurricanes side playing at home and determined to make amends for the disappointment of losing the final last year at the same venue. They also finished as the losing finalists in 2006.

The Emirates Lions had hoped to join three-time winners the Vodacom Bulls as the second South African team to lift the coveted trophy. The Vodacom Bulls won their titles in 2007, 2009 and 2010.

It was a game where the strongest defending outfit were facing the most attacking side this year, and on a cold and wet evening the defence of the home side prevailed in the end to bring to an end the Emirates Lions’ memorable season.

The side from Wellington stifled the free-running style of their South African opponents with a steely defensive effort, which was characterised by an effective rushed defence.

After having an earlier try disallowed, wing Cory Jane scored the opening try for the Hurricanes when he collected a kick from centre Lionel Mapoe to cross over in the right-hand corner. Fly halves Beauden Barrett and Elton Jantjies then traded penalties to bring the halftime score to 10-3 in favour of the home side.

The Canes managed to keep the pressure on the Emirates Lions with their tight defence and it was Barrett who pounced on a kick-through from a line-out in the second half to dot down the crucial second try. The Canes pivot converted his own try and slotted another successful penalty later to stretch the score to 20-3 and out of the reach of their Highveld opponents.

Scorers:

Hurricanes – Tries: Cory Jane, and Beauden Barrett. Conversions: Barrett (2). Penalties: Barrett (2).

Emirates Lions – Penalty: Elton Jantjies.

Credit: SARU

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