The Emirates Lions slumped to a disappointing 42-0 whitewash by the hands of the defending Vodacom United Rugby Championship champions Glasgow Warriors, underlining simply how far off their problem is for the time being.
The one optimistic that the Lions may take out of the sport was the very fact they saved Glasgow scoreless in an error-ridden second half, primarily due to a gale power wind at their backs, the identical wind that propelled the house aspect to their huge lead within the first half.
However in essence the match delivered a verdict of the Lions’ possibilities for the remainder of the season, as they didn’t match the Warriors by way of ardour and depth and sometimes paid the value for this failure.
The defending champions silence the Emirates Lions in a medical efficiency 🤝#VURC pic.twitter.com/nKUaqiP93l
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) March 29, 2025
There was little to put in writing dwelling about for the Lions, who had been hoping for a courageous efficiency after shedding to Cardiff final weekend regardless of dominating each a part of the sport.
A part of the issue is that even when the Lions handle to sneak into the highest eight for the primary time because the inception of the URC, they’re more likely to face one of many prime sides away from dwelling, and on this efficiency any type of upset can be unlikely.
The Lions will likely be kicking themselves. After a strong begin to the season they’ve slumped into mediocrity and in the event that they aren’t considering change on the prime, it could be a travesty.
The congestion on the prime of the log means the Lions can nonetheless sneak into the highest eight on the again of 4 dwelling recreation wins, however on this efficiency, few would give them an opportunity towards any crew within the prime 4.
In some unspecified time in the future although, the Lions are going to have to handle the elephant within the room, particularly in the event that they don’t qualify for the highest eight.
It is going to be the identical story as each othes season, regardless of altering the assistant coaches and holding the pinnacle coach in tact.
LIONS OFF THE PACE
As with many video games this season this Lions crew has solely flattered to deceive, and this towards the background of an enormous win towards Glasgow final season at Ellis Park.
It began with Nathan Macbeth – satirically a discard from the Lions final season – who scored from shut vary and was adopted by a brace by winger Jamie Dobie, who confirmed up the poor defence with a double burst of tries of his personal.
George Horne was on the finish of a powerful attacking motion for attempt No 4 and was adopted by Adam Hastings as the house aspect pressed forward their benefit.
Historical past Made! 🎉🔥
George Horne turns into @GlasgowWarriors ‘ all-time prime try-scorer, etching his identify within the file books! 🏆⚔️#BKTURC #URC | #GLAvLIO@Vodacom #URC | #GLAvLIO pic.twitter.com/WtjiWvC1wo
— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) March 29, 2025
The ultimate attempt of the seven-try first half was scored by hooker Grant Stewart, who capped an ideal half for his aspect.
The second half solely served to underline the Lions going by way of the motions. That they had a couple of good runs, however nothing that might be transformed into factors.
And when the ultimate whistle blew, it was virtually a aid that the scoreline wasn’t blown out into greater numbers and that that they had saved Glasgow scoreless within the second half.
But it surely was additionally a testomony to how far off the tempo of the champions the Lions are and with simply 4 league video games left, what an enormous mountain they should climb.
SCORERS
Glasgow Warriors – tries: Nathan Macbeth, Jamie Dobie (2), George Horn, Adam Hastings, Grant Stewart. Conversions: Hastings (6)
