Dick Muir summed it up by stating that the first 20 minutes of the match the Lions "defense was disgraceful.” No truer words were spoken as the Lions stared at the approaching headlights and sleep walked through the first quarter of the match. With only a mere 17 minutes on the clock the Reds had already wrapped up the 4 try bonus point and there was nothing left for them to do but just wait for the final whistle. There was no way they were going to lose this one.
It was always going to be tough for the Lions with such a hideous start and Dick Muir must have got his point across at the break because the Lions did look a little better in the second half. And whether the Reds had taken their foot off the Lions throat or already had packed their bags with one foot on the plane home, the Lions did manage to score 4 tries of their own but it was always going to be too little too late.
Nothing came easy for the Lions and their tries were more the result of relentless barging and bashing than skill and class. Playing at maximum revs and stringing 15 phases together was the only way the Lions were going to score but benevolent credit must be given to them for fighting to the end. However the amount of energy and hardwork that went into their tries was in stark contrast to the soft ‘practise field’ tries the Reds scored. Almost at will just as we were allowed to believe the Lions had finally "clicked", the Reds would press down on the pedal and strike back mercilessly.Quad Cooper in particular enjoying the touch rugby session.
Michael Killian, Vermaak and Doppies were flickering embers in a dying fire as the Lions repeatedly proved they have the worst defense in the competition if not in the history of Super Rugby. Over 40 tries have been scored against them so far and they still have 5 more games to go!
The Lions are not up to this level, they have no depth for such an intense tournament and although they at times set up some exciting breaks the finishing was never there and it looks like the supporters will continue to exhale in united frustration for the rest of the year.
