Lions admit it’s now time for some serious soul-searching
Three consecutive losses have now put Swys de Bruin's men's lead at the top of the South African Super Rugby conference under real threat.
Albertus ‘Kwagga’ Smith of the Lions looks on after a Highlanders try during the round 12 Super Rugby match between the Highlanders and the Lions at Forsyth Barr Stadium on May 12, 2018 in Dunedin, New Zealand. Picture: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images
Rudolph Jacobs
The Lions have to seriously reassess their current Super Rugby situation after going down 39-27 to the Highlanders in Dunedin last weekend, stressed coach Swys de Bruin.
It was the Lions’ third straight loss on tour after only winning their opening fixture against the Waratahs.
Their recent form now means their top spot in the South African Conference is under real threat.
“We will just have to get home now and rethink the whole situation before our next game. It’s about taking stock of where we stand at this point in time,” said De Bruin.
After falling behind 19-3 after just 20 minutes, the Lions fought back bravely but more defensive lapses and general inaccuracy undermined their progress throughout.
One example of that was the easy try that Highlanders wing Waisake Naholo scored after Lions lock Lourens Erasmus threw a wild, loose pass.
“I don’t have much to say, I’m incredibly disappointed,” said De Bruin.
“The guys managed to dig deep, but then in the next instance we experienced soft moments, where we conceded really soft tries. That is really unacceptable,” lamented De Bruin.
The Lions face the Brumbies next at home before travelling to Cape Town for a tough away fixture against the Stormers.
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