The Lions’ unbeaten start in this year’s Super Rugby campaign ended when they were shocked 35-38 by a Blues team that simply doesn’t know the meaning of the word ‘quit’.
Handed a last-gasp lifeline in the form of a scrum in midfield, the New Zealanders exploited some meek tackling and a typical Sonny Bill Williams off-load to score the winning try with the last movement of a thriller at Ellis Park on Saturday night..
The Lions won’t have any excuses but will be sweating after captain and No 8 Warren Whiteley came off in the 22nd minute with a knee injury.
It was the type of blow that seemed to knock them out of their stride a bit.
While it was the Lions who took control and dominated most of the first half for a lead of 21-3 three minutes before the break, it was the Blues who scored just before the break to gain momentum and in the second half took the Lions out of their comfort zone.
That was telling.
Who was the star in this match?
He won’t take much solace from being on the losing side but Lions flyhalf Elton Jantjies is quickly regaining the form that has made him a match-winner for his team. He was involved in most of the Lions’ key movements, while he also scored the Lions’ third try just before the break and directing the play well.
Key moments and themes
Point scorers:
Lions – Tries: Sylvian Mahuza, Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Elton Jantjies, Aphiwe Dyantyi, Dylan Smith. Conversions: Jantjies (5).
Blues – Tries: Akira Ioane, Rieko Ioane (2), Jimmy Topou, Murphy Taramai. Conversions: Stephen Perofetsa (4), Bryn Gatland. Penalties: Gatland.
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