Dyantyi dazzles once again as Lions find their mojo

Helped by some poor discipline from their aggressive visitors the Lions had to put a poor and error-ridden first half behind to eventually move up a gear or two to get the better of the Jaguares by 47-27 at Ellis Park in their Super Rugby clash on Saturday afternoon.

It’s however a pity only 10 060 people pitched up as when the Lions started to click in the second half they were at times simply awesome to watch.

You get the feeling though that more accomplished sides will exploit lax opening periods like the home side experienced better in future.

Who was the star in this match?

For the second week in a row, brilliant Lions winger Aphiwe Dyantyi was absolutely sensational. Apart from scoring the Lions’ opening try, he set up fellow wing Sylvian Mahuza’s try in the 47^th minute while scoring his second in the 53^rd minute by showcasing amazing pace and dazzling feet, which had the Jaguares defenders grasping for air.

Key moments and themes

• The Jaguares had the Lions reeling in the third minute when left-wing Emiliano Bofelli went over for the game’s opening try for a 7-0 lead after the visitors simply put the ball through the hands and created the space. That seemed to catch the hosts off-guard in terms of setting up a good platform.
• The Lions were, uncharacteristically, guilty of butterfingers in the first quarter and numerous unforced handling errors were the direct result of the physical approach the Jaguares were adopting. It’s definitely a tactic other sides will also try as the Lions do seem to find it difficult to handle at times.
• Home fans were eventually breathing easier when Dyantyi scored his opener, while the Lions were awarded a penalty try seven minutes before halftime when Jaguares right wing Bautista Delguy was yellow-carded for a professional foul. Even if the call was perhaps harsh, it seemed to lift the Lions out of their slump and they subsequently dominated.
• Delguy’s sanction once again illustrated what a massive issue discipline remains for the Argentinians. If they’re going to play to their potential in the tournament, they simply have to sharpen up in that regard. A second yellow for the reserve hooker Julian Montoya was to follow in the 71^st minute. This is becoming too much of a habit.

Point scorers:

Lions – Tries: Aphiwe Dyantyi (2), Penalty try, Andries Coetzee, Sylvian Mahuza, Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Warren Whiteley. Conversions: Elton Jantjies (6).

Jaguares –  Tries: Emiliano Bofelli, Bautista Delguy (2). Conversions: Nicholas Sanchez (3). Penalties: Bofelli, Sanchez.

For more sport your way, follow The Citizen on Facebook and Twitter.