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

Pages: « 1 2 [3] 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 … 13 » Show All

  • 101.gunther: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:00 pm

    Bod

    I can’t help it if the camera loves me.,

  • 102.Kerneels: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:00 pm

    Mitchell has 4…

  • 103.poppa69: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:00 pm

    @Black Panther: BOD forgets that at most “island” stadiums as he calls them, one has a good chance of getting home safely, or in fact seeing the sun rise the next morning…

  • 104.Storm outta hell: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:01 pm

    4 for Mitchell…Lions a walking,living,breathing bonus point..!

  • 105.Lang Giel: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:02 pm

    Bring it on Cheeky Watson and make sure you sign Alan Solomons as your head coach.

  • 106.Hoops: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:02 pm

    Lions should pack up and come back to SA!!!

    Don’t bother going to the saders…just hand them the 5 points and come rest so that you ca win some games at home and help the other Saaf teams to get a chance at home semi!!

  • 107.Storm outta hell: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:02 pm

    @poppa69: Agreed…Coca cola park is muggsville..!!

  • 108.THAT GUY/DAAI OU: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:03 pm

    Good gracious man SWAK SWAK SWAK!!!!!!!!!!!!! :(

    Where is the stuff the Lions had against the Chiefs?????

  • 109.Storm outta hell: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:03 pm

    Lions playing for their pride ;)

  • 110.Bod: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:04 pm

    @Black Panther: Semantics dont really bother me as much as they seem to rile you and if thats the best retort you have available…. well I’ll take it on the chin then.

    Lesson 1 on a **** stadium design…. You do not have to visit or sit in a stadium to understand its lack of planning and architectural foresight.

    Lesson 1 on life…. Never assume on the life of someone you dont know, especially on their travel experiences

    Final lesson on New Zealand stadia…. nah, lets rather leave it there

  • 111.poppa69: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:05 pm

    didnt expect this from the Lions, thought they would have been much more competitive…

  • 112.SamM: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:05 pm

    Make their circles bigger . . . . . . and the crusaders next weekend . . .EINA !

  • 113.Eminem: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:07 pm

    Wtf is happening here ?

  • 114.Sonito: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:07 pm

    @SamM:

    HaHa that should be fun.

  • 115.Mick Dundee: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:09 pm

    Was there not a move to outlaw ‘canned Lion hunts?’.

  • 116.Bod: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:09 pm

    @poppa69: All ways got home safely after every game I’ve attended…

    I am truly blessed with an African sunrise every morning as well…

  • 117.poppa69: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:09 pm

    cmon lions, 26 more points in the last ten minutes for my superbru please :D

  • 118.poppa69: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:09 pm

    @Bod: just dont go to the night games huh?

  • 119.Black Panther: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:11 pm

    Poppa

    rather bizarre to make the case for Lancaster Park as a ‘Polynesian’ stadium – it’s clear he’s not only entered the gates but never been to the Sth Island either. In fact, Im sure the entire Mainland’esian population could be found at my (Otago) Varsity A rivals at Ravensbourne.

    Personally, I was fortunate to visit the hallowed Canty surface twice within 48hrs here, sitting in both stands, and it’s absolutely superb. And Dunedins indoor stadium will be ready for the RWC. Not bad for a country with less people than greater-Capetown.

  • 120.Eminem: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:11 pm

    Are the Waratahs playing good attacking rugby or are they scoring soft tries ?

  • 121.gunther: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:11 pm

    Poppa

    Have you visited our fair country?

  • 122.Storm outta hell: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:14 pm

    @Eminem: Pretty soft hey…but this win is sure gonna rejuvenate ‘em…Lions looking better with Vermaak on the park..!!

  • 123.Hoops: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:15 pm

    eminem…any try against the lions team is soft!

  • 124.Black Panther: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:16 pm

    Bod

    Lesson 1 on blogging – always ensure yr lessons never contradict each other.

  • 125.Storm outta hell: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:17 pm

    Turner out under the Touchie’s nose…not called and goes on to score a try ;(

  • 126.Bod: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:17 pm

    @poppa69: Nah, night games are my favourite.

    Fantastic stadia, babes of note, the waft of braai’s across the field, the African night sky and the fantastic pubs after the game. (The tricky part being able to avoid places frequented by our ANZAR brothers and players, which tend to be a bit violent)

  • 127.skopskiet: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:18 pm

    how’s these linesmen. No. 14 so far out its blatant home town decisions all over again.

  • 128.bo0m: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:19 pm

    This game is disgusting can it end now?

  • 129.Storm outta hell: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:19 pm

    Holmes gets a double under the Horns..!!

  • 130.Paws: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:19 pm

    I just want to say thanks againt to the lions union for chosing **** instead of HM.

    Truly inspiring.

    As a lions suppoerter I have so much to look forward too.

    %$$@#@ a-holes

  • 131.skopskiet: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:20 pm

    cricket score rugby again.

    Lions a serious debilitated team on the ropes. Can’t take anything away from their die hard attitude but Muir better catch a serious wake up. This franchise has hardly improved since 2009- only progress is further South.

  • 132.Richie_7: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:22 pm

    @PissAnt: Err, the p0rno had women in it. You started going off about Loftus

  • 133.Bod: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:22 pm

    @Black Panther: Lesson 2 on blogging… Dont engage with those who dont understand

    Lesson 3 on blogging…. Dont take it too seriously, as it takes the fun out of it

  • 134.the peanut gallery: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:23 pm

    @Bod: can’t comment on any of your other points, but no doubt that the best lookers are in sa. (just judging by what we see on tv)

  • 135.Lang Giel: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:23 pm

    Another Super 14 cheat! his time the touch judge. I hope he also walks the plank like that Marks specimen and our own unprofessional Pro.

  • 136.Storm outta hell: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:24 pm

    ‘Tahs by 54…who’d have said..?

  • 137.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:25 pm

    …and we wanted another team in the Super 15.

  • 138.Pearl Rose: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:25 pm

    we are red, we are white, we are dynamite!

    Not quite

    We are red, we are white, we are *****!!!!!

    Relegate the lions & their bungling management that can’t even write let alone understand the words in the contracts the sign!!! Bring on the KINGS!!

  • 139.Storm outta hell: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:25 pm

    ‘Tahs by 61…’nuff said..!!

  • 140.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:26 pm

    Where are the Ozzie bloggers?

  • 141.the peanut gallery: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:26 pm

    what’s the record for the most points conceded by a team in one super rugby season?

  • 142.poppa69: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:26 pm

    @Bod: :lol: yep, never trust them ANZACs mate, theyre known to conspire against other nations bwahahaha
    :D

  • 143.fantasticbarnsmell: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:27 pm

    combine the cheetahs and the lions: end The Horror

  • 144.the peanut gallery: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:27 pm

    @Pearl Rose: they should change their colours to brown.
    can’t believe they get paid (handsomely) to dish up this **** week after week.

  • 145.fantasticbarnsmell: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:28 pm

    also ban the Stormers from playing rugby forever.

  • 146.oscarthedawg: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:29 pm

    @ 145 FantasticBarnSmell: Why?

  • 147.Storm outta hell: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:29 pm

    Bumbling Baywatch says..”The Lions are gonna bounce back..!”.. watch this space :mrgreen:

  • 148.skopskiet: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:29 pm

    soft tries every last one of the 8 or 9 scored tonight.

    GL lions in disarray. Pity Winning Ways didn’t have the balls to stick with the program we would have had first hand witness just how inept the orchestrator of such bullshit baffles brains technicality is.

    So Muir got the gig and it gets from bad to worse. Quite where he hides his head next who knows, just hope someone has the good sense to fire him out the bok backline coaching portfolio before he does any further damage to what he’s done already.

  • 149.Storm outta hell: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:30 pm

    @fantasticbarnsmell: Spoken like a true Lions supporter :lol:

  • 150.fantasticbarnsmell: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2010, 12:30 pm

    @oscarthedawg: because they’re making the Sharks look bad

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