Tahs crush lousy Lions

Tahs crush lousy Lions

12 Mar 2010

The Lions delivered another poor defensive display as Drew Mitchell scored four tries in the Waratahs’ 73-12 win in Sydney.

This fixture was talked about as the Lions’ best chance of victory, even though they had never beaten the Tahs in Sydney. That hope was short-lived, however, as after just 32 minutes, the hosts wrapped up the bonus point. The Lions have now conceded 29 tries in the tournament, which tells the story of a shocking start to the season.

The Tahs were under pressure from their supporters and the Australian media, but their fans had plenty to cheer about as they crossed the line 11 times.

Carlos Spencer gifted the Tahs their first two tries, the first when the Lions won a turnover but opted to run from deep. This is the approach coach Dick Muir loves to see, but it cost the Lions as the Tahs won the ball back, and from an ensuing penalty, Drew Mitchell tapped and dived over the line. Earlier in the move, Tonderai Chavhanga had also rushed out of the defensive line handing the Tahs the momentum.

The Waratahs winger went from hero to villain momentarily as a mistake behind his own goal-line gifted Chavhanga a score. The Tahs led 7-5 after seven minutes, but then Spencer was again at his worst. His kick was charged and gathered by Dean Mumm who cantered over with the cover defence non-existent.

The Lions’ defence was typically porous as they missed 12 tackles inside 25 minutes. The Tahs were hardly made to work as the Lions handed another Australasian team a bonus point – the third time they’ve conceded five log points in 2010.

Tom Carter crashed over before Wandile Mjekevu’s mistake (which was similar to Mitchell’s) saw Lachie Turner claim the fourth try.

The Lions were intent on running, but clearly lacked confidence, as Spencer and Earl Rose hacked away possession aimlessly. The Tahs were buoyed by the visitors’ mistakes and looked to counter from deep, and Berrick Barnes also drove the Lions back with some lengthy touch-finders.

Muir finally lost patience with his halfbacks as JP Joubert and Spencer were replaced by Jano Vermaak and Burton Francis at half-time. The latter pair didn’t lack effort, but without the platform from their pack, they battled to make an impact.

The Lions have successfully brought other teams, such as the Brumbies, down to their level, but the Tahs kept their structure and scored a further six tries in the second half. The Lions opted to run everything in the final 40, and Mitchell capitalised from their numerous errors to complete a personal tally of four tries.

Muir will undoubtedly find ‘positives’ in this display, but the Lions are going nowhere slowly. The seven-time champions Crusaders lie in wait, and if the Lions’ woeful defence continues, they can expect another hiding.

By Grant Ball


620 Comments

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  • 1.TheTackler: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 10:16 am

    hmmmm

  • 2.wp_boytjie: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 10:17 am

    The Lions can do this. Who the f*ck is the REf by the way ? before i get too hopeful

  • 3.wp_boytjie: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 10:21 am

    I can allready see Chavangha score a break away try out of his own 22.

    Come on Lions.

  • 4.munkiboi: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 10:24 am

    who’s starting at ref for the waratahs?

  • 5.logie_Jumpbuck: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 10:27 am

    Gaan welpies!!!!

  • 6.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 10:33 am

    @TheTackler:

    Got something stuck in your navel again?

  • 7.munkiboi: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 10:36 am

    @Dawn:

    hes trying to think of something negative and condescending to say.

  • 8.5t0rmer54eva: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 10:38 am

    Hallo All!!!
    Who do u guys reckon will replace Brussouw in the Bok line up?

  • 9.Cyborg: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 10:40 am

    Lions to lose by 20.

  • 10.Storm outta hell: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 10:41 am

    @5t0rmer54eva: There can only be 1…The Schalk..!!

  • 11.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 10:42 am

    @5t0rmer54eva:

    He is irreplaceable.

  • 12.Storm outta hell: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 10:43 am

    @Cyborg: Yah…’Tahs are hurting after they played 16 men on the pitch last week :oops: They got too much in reserve for the Lions to upset ‘em..!

  • 13.Horings: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 10:44 am

    @5t0rmer54eva: Stegmann or Potgieter. Question is whether you want to go with the new Schalk or a true fetcher?

    @Cyborg: Make that 30

  • 14.5t0rmer54eva: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 10:44 am

    @Storm outta hell: Schalk is already part of the picture…… do u think Steggman is the man for the job?

  • 15.5t0rmer54eva: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 10:44 am

    @Dawn: True dat!!!

  • 16.munkiboi: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 10:45 am

    i am doing so badly on superbru i have picked both lions and sharks to win by 1 point. i figured i may as well go for broke. i also bought a lotto ticket coz i got more chance of winning that!

  • 17.Storm outta hell: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 10:45 am

    Try saving tackle…where was Rose..?

  • 18.Black Cat: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 10:46 am

    Come one the Lions ROAR

  • 19.5t0rmer54eva: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 10:46 am

    @Horings: I know this is coming from a stormers supporter, but what about Flouw?

  • 20.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 10:46 am

    @5t0rmer54eva:

    What’s the beef.

    This thread belongs to the Lions.

  • 21.Storm outta hell: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 10:46 am

    @5t0rmer54eva: Yep…Steggies fills the role perfectly,Kuun not half bad either imo…

  • 22.5t0rmer54eva: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 10:48 am

    @Dawn: Sorry

  • 23.munkiboi: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 10:48 am

    why is rose playing? has he got something on muir?

  • 24.Horings: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 10:48 am

    @5t0rmer54eva: I personally rate him more than anybody other than my Bulls loosies, Brussow and Smith. I think his work rate is right up there.

  • 25.Storm outta hell: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 10:49 am

    @5t0rmer54eva: Flo is awesome.. but playing at 7 now…

  • 26.Storm outta hell: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 10:49 am

    Chavanga..!!!

  • 27.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 10:50 am

    @munkiboi:

    :mrgreen:

  • 28.nikoli: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 10:51 am

    lions try

  • 29.Storm outta hell: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 10:51 am

    Good grubber from ER…hopefully we get some more good play..

  • 30.Storm outta hell: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 10:52 am

    Spencer :(

  • 31.Storm outta hell: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 10:53 am

    Shades of Chiefs -Lions game already..!

  • 32.nikoli: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 10:53 am

    but let the Tahs straight bakc in, swak

  • 33.logie_Jumpbuck: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 10:55 am

    the lions are trying all sorts of crazy sh#t!! maybe they should stick to the basics for once!!!

  • 34.Dusky: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 10:58 am

    The referee just asked Phil Waugh if he is getting ‘quick enough ball’. How does that work ?

    Ref: ‘Oy there Phil – are those South Africans allowing you to get to the ball mate ?’

    Phil: ‘No mate, they are trying to keep it all for themselves’

    Ref: ‘Dont worry mate, just like we discussed at that Barby we had last weekend, when you allowed me to play with some of your sheep, I will just penalise them a bit, and stop them from trying to beat your team ok ?’

    Phil: ‘Much appreciated mate. You can have whatever sheep Paulie Marks left over after our victory party last Saturday night’

    Can the Aussies play ANY sport – ANYTHING without cheating ?

  • 35.nikoli: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 11:00 am

    could be a long night at the office for the Lions

  • 36.Storm outta hell: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 11:01 am

    Why doesn’t the linesman rep say anything about Ben Alexander’s hand on the ground :mrblue:

  • 37.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 11:01 am

    @Dusky:

    Who’s the ref?

  • 38.TheTackler: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 11:01 am

    I’m not trying to find anything negative and condescending to say. One never really looks for those things. They just emerge quite naturally from wherever it is that these things are meant to emerge.

    “For your edification and your delight.

    The headlines hit deadlines on Thursday night.”

    If not sooner. Or later.

    (Apologies, Nick Taylor en Springbok Radio.)

  • 39.logie_Jumpbuck: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 11:03 am

    @Dusky: surely those weren’t his exact words?

  • 40.Pearl Rose: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 11:04 am

    go LIONS!!!!!!

  • 41.Dusky: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 11:05 am

    @Dawn: Billy Munro (spelling ?)

    @logie_Jumpbuck: Of course not – I am making a joke. But he did go to Phil and ask him ‘Is the ball coming out quick enough mate ?’ What on earth is that about ?

  • 42.Brentie1: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 11:07 am

    What a farce.Surely we cannot have a repeat of last week
    against the Sharks.The Waratahs prop is putting his hand on the ground time and again, right in front of the Aussie Assistant ref, to support himself ,but the Lions are penalised.
    Get rid of these Aussie refs, the sooner the better.

  • 43.gunther: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 11:07 am

    Are you getting quick enough ball phil?

    Priceless…

    Is my whistle too loud?

    I can turn it down if you like…

    Is it warm enough for you phil ?

    How about a foot rub..

  • 44.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 11:08 am

    @TheTackler:

    From your navel?

  • 45.Spinnekop: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 11:08 am

    Ref is shocking at scrum time.

  • 46.Blouste: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 11:09 am

    @Dawn: 6

    :lol:

  • 47.Kea-Cat: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 11:09 am

    @Dusky: The ref is from New zealand.

  • 48.logie_Jumpbuck: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 11:09 am

    @Dusky: that’s what i mean? did the ref actualy say ‘Is the ball coming out quick enough mate ?’ i smell a rat…..

  • 49.Pirlet BEL: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 11:10 am

    Guys no point blaming the ref, what is shocking is the lions defence. It’s terrible. The lions should try sign some of the Bulls and cheetahs youngsters from the vodacom cup team. They need talented players.

  • 50.Brentie1: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 11:10 am

    You know what if I was the Lions captain I would march my troops right of the field and not return unless the game
    was refereed by some less biased referee.

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