Sloppy Lions stumble in Swansea

30/03/2024 19:06

An error-prone performance from the Lions saw them punished by Ospreys in a resounding defeat in Wales on Saturday afternoon.

Trailing 15-7 at half time, poor handling and a lack of execution cost the Lions at crucial moments and despite a late fightback, Ivan van Rooyen's men leaked three tries in the second 40 minutes for a 36-21 loss in the Vodacom URC at Swansea.com Stadium.

First-half tries from tighthead prop Tom Botha and hooker Sam Parry – who was making his 150th club appearance – and five points from the boot of flyhalf Owen Williams powered the hosts in front at the break.

The Lions pulled one back when hooker PJ Botha barged over off the back of a driving maul for a converted score against a 14-man Ospreys, with Parry having earned 10 minutes on the naughty chair for cynical play at the breakdown.

1⃣0⃣0⃣0⃣ #URC tries for @Ospreys‘

Morgan Morris leads the team to the milestone mark #BKTURC | #OSPvLIOpic.twitter.com/NujM40r8zH

— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) March 30, 2024

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Replacement Lions prop Morgan Naude saw yellow for a tip tackle on skipper Justin Tipuric soon after the restart, and the home side capitalised with No 8 Morgan Morris and substitute Lewis Lloyd crossing the whitewash, and Williams adding the extras, before the match entered the final quarter.

Fullback Quan Horn and right winger Richard Kriel dotted down inside the closing 15 minutes, alongside two Jordan Hendrikse conversions, gave the visitors a glimmer of hope but a Kieran Williams finish at the death put the result beyond doubt in Swansea.

The Lions promised so much following a round 12 victory over Connacht in Galway last week, and will shift focus to the Challenge Cup for a last 16 clash against fellow URC outfit Benetton in Treviso on Saturday.

Photo: @LionsRugbyCo/Twitter

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